Thoburn, J. M., 1836-1922

James Mills Thoburn was the first bishop of the Methodist Church to live in India and was elected missionary bishop for India and Malaysia in 1888. Born in Ohio in 1836, he attended Allegheny College. He was ordained in 1858 and, in 1859, went to India with four missionary couples. He developed a strong influence as a spokesman for missions at the 1864 General Conference of the Methodist Church. He returned to India in 1866 and became a recognized leader of the Methodist missionaries. He helped to begin publication of The Indian Witness and served as its first editor. He stayed in office until 1908, and died in 1922.

From the description of Diaries and journals of Bishop James M. Thoburn, 1857-1918 (inclusive) [microform]. (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 702690628

James Mills Thoburn, born March 7, 1836 in St. Clairsville, Ohio, was the son of Irish immigrants. In 1850, a year after the death of his father, Thoburn enrolled in Allegheny College. He graduated in 1857. He joined the Pittsburgh Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was ordained in 1858. Thoburn became a missionary to India in 1859. He helped start and was the first editor of "The Indian Witness." In 1888, Thoburn was elected Missionary Bishop for India by the General Conference. He remained in office until 1908. He died in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on November 28, 1922.

From the description of James Mills Thoburn papers, 1910-1922. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122609428