A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generations

LIVING AMONG CANNIBALS

During their early years in Fiji, Thomas and Mary endured severe hardships.  They labored long hours on primitive conditions and tropical heat.  They also confronted unspeakable horrors-tribal war, strangling of widows, infanticide, and cannibalism-and the local people generally resisted their message. Mary and her firstborn son, John fell sick and nearly died. In 1843, Thomas wrote:  "My heart was overwhelmed within me. . . .I was on the edge of desperation." Yet he and Mary persevered, drawing strength from their faith in Jehovah God.

Thomas, meanwhile, put his carpentry skills to good use by building the first European-style house in Fiji. The dwelling featured a ventilated raise floor and other innovations that aroused great curiosity among the local Fijians. Just before the house was completed, Mary gave birth to her second son, Thomas Williams, my direct ancestor. 

In 1843, Thomas senior helped to translate the Gospel of John into Fijian, a tast that he found particularly challenges. He was, however, a gifted anthropologist with keep powers of observation. He carefully recorded his research in his book, Fiji and the Fijians (1858), a classic account of the 19th-century Fijian life.

As a result of his 13 years of toil in Fiji, Thomas' health finally broke down, and he and his family moved to  Australia. After a long and distinguished career as a clergyman, Thomas died at Ballard, Victoria, in 1891. 

Next time: A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generations - "GOLD" IN THE WEST

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015