John Gibson Paton
John Gibson Paton, born in Scotland, was a Protestant missionary to the New Hebrides Islands in the South Pacific. He introduced Christianity and education to the New Hebrides' people. He established little industries for them, such as hat-making. He fiercely opposed "Blackbirding," a form of slavery that entailed kidnapping indigenous and forcing them to work in New Zealand and abroad. Despite his tough and frequently dangerous life and work in the New Hebrides, Paton preached, built a family,...See more
John Gibson Paton, born in Scotland, was a Protestant missionary to the New Hebrides Islands in the South Pacific. He introduced Christianity and education to the New Hebrides' people. He established little industries for them, such as hat-making. He fiercely opposed "Blackbirding," a form of slavery that entailed kidnapping indigenous and forcing them to work in New Zealand and abroad. Despite his tough and frequently dangerous life and work in the New Hebrides, Paton preached, built a family, and fought to garner missionary support in Scotland. He also worked hard to convince Britain to conquer the New Hebrides. He was a man of strong character and personality. Paton was also an author, and he could communicate his narrative through literature. He is held up as a role model and motivation for missionary activity. See less