Randall, Matthew

Randall, Matthew a distinguished layman of the Baptist denomination, was born in London. His mercantile tastes led him into business vocations, where he met with success as a merchant. Soon after the peace of 1783, he came to the United States, and took up his residence in Philadelphia, where he remained nearly all his life. For two or three years he lived in Burlington, N. J. While in this place he was baptized by Rev. Dr. Staughton, and continued a member of the Burlington Church until his death, which took place in Philadelphia, Sept. 14, 1833. Dr. Baron Stow savs of him that "he was highly esteemed in Christian circles, and his early familiarity with Robert Hall and Drs. Ryland and Stennett was of importance to him in matters of theology, as well as of taste and piety." He adds: "Having the confidence of the authorities of Pennsylvania, he was appointed to several important offices, the duties of which he creditably performed." See The Missionary Jubilee, p. 118. (J. C. S.)