Born at Aberthaw, Penmark, Glamorganshire, son of Christopher and Alice Bassett, both of whom were disciples of Howel Harris. He was educated at Cowbridge grammar school and Jesus College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1772 (M.A. 1775). He was ordained by the bishop of London and was a curate under the famous William Romaine at S. Anne's, Blackfriars; he was also appointed ' lecturer ' at S. Ethelburga's.
When his health broke down he returned to Wales where, in 1778, he became curate at S. Fagans, after which he was curate at Porthkerry; in both of these places he established Methodist societies. He travelled throughout South Wales, preaching to the Methodists.
In 1783 his health again deteriorated, and he went to his sister's house in Bristol to recuperate; he died there of tuberculosis, 8 February 1784, and his body was brought to S. Athan for burial. Elegies to his memory were written by John Williams, S. Athan, 1728 - 1806, and William Williams, Pantycelyn. At the same time David Jones, Llan-gan, published a booklet giving an account of his life: Llythyr oddiwrth Dafydd ab Ioan y Pererin at Ioan ab Gwilim y Prydydd … (Trevecka, 1784).
Published date: 1959
Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
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