Bisenti Antonio

Bisenti Antonio an English Congregational minister, was born near Setubal, Portugal, in 1800. He was brought up by his uncle, and escaped from the monastery where he was placed for education for the ministry, and was captured by a band of robbers, who treated him kindly, however, and conducted him to the British camp. He was there recognized by an English officer as the son of an old acquaintance, and was adopted by him and taken to America. His benefactor being killed at the battle of New Orleans, the lad, with a sum of money for his education and support, was left in the charge of a brother officer. This officer afterwards returning to his estates in Ireland, took the boy with him, and sent him to Bath to be educated and put into business. While at Bath he was converted, joined the Church, and began preaching in the surrounding villages. In June, 1830, Mr. Bisenti was ordained pastor of the Independent Chapel, Herhingsham, where he labored three years, and then became rector of the Congregational Church at Stalbridge. Here his triumphant death took place, Jan. 16, 1872. Many souls were converted through the ministry of Mr. Bisenti. His pastoral visitation was his principal forte; many a Christian's sunset has been irradiated with the ruddy glow of hope at the words of comfort which fell from his lips. See (Lond.) Cong. Year-book, 1873, p. 316.