Davidge, James

Davidge, James an English Baptist minister, was born at Motcomb, Dorsetshire, October 14, 1803, of Wesleyan parents, and was blind from his birth. At the age of fifteen he was placed in the blind asylum at Bristol to learn the trade of basket-making. Returning to his native village, he awakened much interest as "The Blind Preacher." Being also a musician and poet, he composed his own hymns and tunes after singing which, his preaching was especially attractive to his hearers. Having become a Baptist, he was ordained at Iwerne Minster, July 25, 1833, where he continued till his death, January 6, 1872. See (Lond.) Baptist Hand-book, 1873, page 255. (J.C.S.)