Notable South Australians/Archdeacon J. N. Twopeny
Archdeacon J. N. Twopeny,
THE singularity of whose name has often been the source of remark, was a native of Little Casterton, Rutlandshire, of which parish his father was rector. The family were of French extraction, Twopeny being undoubtedly a corruption of the word "Tupigny." He was educated at Uppingham Grammar School, and at Oriel College, Oxford. He arrived in South Australia in 1860, and was first stationed at Mount Remarkable, where he created for himself one of the largest parishes ever undertaken by any clergyman. His regular visitations extended as far westward as Port Augusta, and over all the settled country of the far north, and he made periodical tours in the Port Lincoln District. As a bush missionary he was devoted to his work, having no ambition beyond that of evangelizing from hut to hut among lonely shepherds. As a preacher he was very eloquent and forcible, and he reluctantly quitted the mission field when the bishop bestowed upon him a most appropriate recognition of his services by making him Archdeacon of Flinders. From Melrose he was transferred to Christchurch, Mount Gambier, and thence to Riverton, when his title was changed to Archdeacon Broughton. He possessed great self-denial, unobtrusive piety, and zeal, and was singularly well informed on all subjects. His useful life was brought to a sudden close by heart disease, as he was travelling with Governor Sir Jas. Fergusson en route to Port Wakefield, on Nov. 3, 1869. He had only just reached his 49th year.