Moffat, ROBERT

Moffat, ROBERT, missionary, was born at Ormiston, East Lothian, 21st December 1795. While following the occupation of a gardener at High Leigh, Cheshire, in 1815, he offered himself for the mission-field. His services were accepted by the London Missionary Society, and he sailed for South Africa in 1816. He arrived at Capetown in January 1817, and proceeded northwards beyond the boundaries of Cape Colony and began his labours (January 1818) in Great Namaqualand at the kraal of Afrikaner, a chief who from being a terror to the neighbouring districts of the colony had embraced Christianity, and now showed a desire for its promotion. On December 27, 1819, Moffat married Mary Smith (1795-1870), daughter of his former employer at Dukinfield near Manchester, who proved a worthy helpmate. He made several journeys and laboured at various stations before he settled at Kuruman (1826-70) in Bechuanaland, north of the Orange River. There he wrought a marvellous work in reforming the habits of the natives, and Kuruman became a centre of Christian light and civilisation. Wherever he went he preached the gospel, and guided the people in the arts of civilised life. He learned the Sechwana language, and printed in it the New Testament (1840), the Old Testament (1857), and several religious works. Moffat spent about five years in England (1838-43), where he had an enthusiastic reception, and published his Labours and Scenes in South Africa (1842), which gave a graphic description of his missionary tours and remarkable adventures. In 1843 Moffat returned to his labours reinforced by other missionaries, remaining till 1870, when he finally returned to England after fifty-four years spent in Africa. In 1873 he was presented with £5000 in recognition of his great services. He lectured on African missions in Westminster Abbey in 1875, and in 1881 was entertained at a banquet by the Lord Mayor of London. He died at the village of Leigh, Kent, 9th August 1883. It may be said that Moffat's influence drew Livingstone to Africa; it was to Kuruman Livingstone went first, and he married Mary Moffat. See Lives of Robert and Mary Moffat, by J. S. Moffat (1885).