Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Sherring, Matthew Atmore
SHERRING, MATTHEW ATMORE (1826–1880), missionary, was born at Halstead, Essex, on 26 Sept. 1826. He was articled to a surgeon at Colchester, but afterwards studied at University College, London, graduating B.A. in 1848, LL.B. in 1849, and M.A. in 1850 at London University. He then offered his services to the London Missionary Society. He was ordained on 7 Dec. 1852, and shortly after proceeded to Benares, where he took charge of the congregational mission. To familiarise himself with native life, he made repeated tours through the North-West Provinces. In 1856 he married the daughter of Dr. Robert Cotton Mather [q. v.], and in November of the same year he removed to Mirzapore to take charge of Mather's station during his absence. On the outbreak of the Indian mutiny Sherring sent his wife to Benares for safety, but she there experienced far graver perils than at Mirzapore, where the sepoys remained faithful. Returning to Benares in 1861, Sherring remained there until 1866, when he sailed for England with his family. In 1869 he returned alone, but in 1875 he was forced to visit the Nilgiri Hills to recruit his health, and afterwards to pay a second visit to England. He returned to Benares in 1878, and died of cholera on 10 Aug. 1880. He left issue.
He was the author of:
- ‘The Indian Church during the Great Rebellion,’ edited by Mather, London, 1859, 8vo.
- ‘Journal of Missionary Tours during 1861–2,’ Mirzapore, 1862, 8vo.
- ‘The Ancient City of the Hindoos: an Account of Benares,’ London, 1868, 8vo.
- ‘The Bhar Tribe,’ Benares, 1869, 8vo.
- ‘Hindoo Tribes and Castes,’ 1872–81, 3 vols. 4to.
- ‘The History of Protestant Missions in India,’ London, 1875, 8vo; 2nd edit. by E. Storrow, London, 1884, 8vo.
- ‘The Hindoo Pilgrims: a Poem,’ London, 1878, 8vo.
- ‘The Life and Labours of the Rev. William Smith,’ Benares, 1879, 8vo.
[Author's works; Bliss's Encyclopædia of Missions, ii. 328; Congregational Year Book, 1881, p. 390.]