Thomas Bevan (missionary)

Thomas Bevan (1801-1857) was a Welsh Congregationalist missionary who served with the London Missionary Society (LMS) in the South Seas. Born in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales, he trained for the ministry and was ordained in 1836.

Bevan was posted to the Samoan Islands in 1837, where he spent the majority of his missionary career. He worked primarily on the island of Tutuila. His efforts focused on evangelization, education, and the establishment of Christian communities. He was involved in translating religious texts, including portions of the Bible, into the Samoan language.

Bevan's work also encompassed advocating for the social welfare of the Samoan people. He often mediated disputes between local factions and represented their interests to visiting European traders and officials.

Bevan's wife, Mary, was also actively involved in the mission, particularly in education and working with women. She died in Samoa in 1854. Thomas Bevan himself died in Samoa in 1857 after a period of ill health. His contributions are remembered as part of the broader LMS effort to establish Christianity and influence social change in Samoa during the 19th century.