Tinker, Reuben

Tinker, Reuben a missionary of the Presbyterian Church; was born at Chester, Mass., Aug. 6, 1799. He received a good preparatory education; graduated at Amherst College in 1827, and at the Auburn Theological Seminary in 1830; and in November of the same ear was ordained by the Mountain Association, with a view to his becoming a missionary of the American Board at the Sandwich Islands. He reached the islands at a somewhat critical period, but, in spite of all existing difficulties, the cause of the Gospel was rapidly advancing. In 1834 it was resolved to publish; in the native language, a semi-monthly newspaper devoted to the interests of religion, and he was appointed to conduct it. In 1838 he dissolved his relations with the board, and established himself, with the approval of his brethren, at Koloa, on the island of Kani, where he labored until he departed for his own country in 1840. In September, 1845, hue was installed pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., where he continued to labor till near the close of his life. He died Oct. 26, 1854. Mr. Tinker was an eloquent preacher, a self-sacrificing missionary, and a fast and firm friend. After his death appeared Sermones by Rev. Reuben Tinker, Missionary at the Sandwich Islands; with a Biographical Sketch by M. L. P. Thompson, D.D. (Buffalo,1856,12mo). See Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit, 4:770; Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Authors, s.v. (J.L.S.)