Jenny (Adam) Cecil

Jenny Adam(s) Cecil was the wife of Richard Cecil and the person who wrote the “Memoir of the Rev. Richard Cecil” in volume 1 of his collected works. She signed the introduction as “J.C.” Although there is no mention of her name on the title page, it is apparent that Richard Cecil’s wife wrote the memoirs from the many references in the text. They met while she attended him while he was ill in Lewes, Sussex. They were married Jan. 19, 1781 in Islington.

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Memoir of the Rev. Richard Cecil

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“Mr. Cecil had not resided long at Lewes before he was attacked with a severe rheumatic complaint, which disabled him for duty during several months, compelling him to employ a curate, and eventually rendering it advisable that he should become non-resident. Here, however, he met with the lady who afterwards became his esteemed and affectionate partner, and their first interview was somewhat singular. He had been confined by the severity of his complaint, and was just able to go out, being at once weak in body and exceedingly depressed in mind, in consequence of some painful instances of neglect and inattention which he had experienced. While thus indulging gloomy apprehensions, he was accosted in the kindest manner by a young lady who expressed her lively satisfaction at seeing him out, and her earnest hope that he would soon be able to resume his valuable labors. The interview was short, but it cheered and encouraged him exceedingly. He did not know the lady's name. He had not met at Lewes with any strong expression of attachment to his ministrations. “I stood,” said he, “and looked after her, and thought, surely this must be some angel sent to comfort me.” From such apparently trifling circumstances, the most important events often result, and thus in a few short years, the unknown inquirer became the tender and faithful wife. Mr. Cecil was married to Miss Jenny Adam, of Cliffe, Sussex, at Islington, Jan. 19, 1781.”—Christian Guardian Magazine 1831; London: L. B. Seeley and Sons, 1832. p. 165.