Beville William

Beville William an English divine, was born in the city of Lincoln. Here he received the first rudiments of a classical education, and at an early age was admitted a pensioner of Peter House. In this place his assiduity and talents commanded general esteem, and when he took his first degree his name appeared high in the list of wranglers. Shortly after graduation he was elected fellow of his college, and, receiving holy orders, settled in London, where he excited public attention as a preacher, first at the chapel in Great Queen Street. Lincoln's-inn Fields, and afterwards at that in Spring Gardens. He was also the author of several successful literary efforts. Besides other productions of equal merit, the public is indebted to his pen for an able vindication of Hammond from the strictures of Dr. Johnson, and for a very elegant translation of Numa Pompilius, from the original French of Monsieur de Florian. Mr. Beville, in private circles, was no less popular than as a preacher and scholar. He was an agreeable companion, a firm friend, and ever ready to assist with advice and means those who might need his aid. He died suddenly in 1822.