Early Years in New Hebrides
John G. and Mary Paton landed on the island of Tanna, in the southern part of the New Hebrides, on 5 November 1858 and built a small house at Port Resolution.
In those days the natives of Tanna were reported to be cannibals. The missionary couple were surrounded by "painted savages who were enveloped in the superstitions and cruelties of heathenism at its worst. The men and children went about in a state of nudity while the women wore abbreviated grass or leaf aprons."
Three months after their arrival, a son, Peter Robert Robson, was born on 12 February 1859. But just 19 days later his wife Mary died from tropical fever soon to be followed to the grave by the newly born Peter at 36 days of age.
Despite these devastating bereavements, John G. continued unfailingly with his missionary work in spite of constant animosity from the natives and many attempts on his life. During one attack, a ship arrived just in time to rescue him and take him and missionaries from another part of the island, Mr. and Mrs. Mathieson, to safety at Aneityum.
Read more about this topic: John Gibson Paton
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