Dictionary of National Biography, 1901 supplement/Deane, William John
DEANE, WILLIAM JOHN (1823–1895), theological writer, born on 6 Oct. 1823, was the third son of John Deane of Lymington in Hampshire. He matriculated from Oriel College, Oxford, on 26 Oct. 1823, graduating B.A. in 1847 and M.A. in 1872. He was ordained deacon in 1847 and priest in 1849. He was successively curate of Rugby (1847–9), curate of Wick Rissington in Gloucestershire (1849–52), and rector of South Thoresby in Lincolnshire (1852–3). In 1853 he was presented by the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster to the rectory of Ashen in Essex, which he retained until his death.
Deane was the author of a number of exegetical works, written in a clear and interesting manner. In 1881 he edited the Greek, Latin, and English texts of the 'Book of Wisdom ' for the Clarendon Press, with critical notes, and in 1891 he published 'Pseudepigraphia,' a well-written description and estimate of the apocryphal books. He died at Ashen on 30 May 1895, leaving a widow, three sons, and three daughters. He was buried on 4 June in Ashen churchyard, under the east window of the chancel. Besides the works already mentioned he published: 1. 'A Catechism of the Holydays as observed by the Church of England,' London, 1850, 18mo ; 3rd edit. 1886, 8vo. 2. 'The Proper Lessons from the Old Testament for Sundays and other Holydays with a Plain Commentary,' London, 1864, 12mo. He also furnished biographies of Abraham, Joshua, Samuel, Saul, and David for Routledge's series of 'Men of the Bible,' and contributed introductions to Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Micah in the 'Pulpit Commentary.' In 1850 he edited a volume of 'Lyra Sanctorum' (London, 8vo), and he was a frequent contributor to the 'Thinker.'
[Suffolk and Essex Free Press, 5 June 1895 ; Crockford's Clerical Directory ; Foster's Alumni Oxon. 1715-1886.]