John Hazelton : A Memoir, by W.J. Styles. 1889.
"East Mersey. A large congregation had gathered to witness a public baptism in the sea, and were grouped around the minister, Mr Rogers, who was to perform the solemn cerremony. This was preceded by an address, which was delivered by a young man, with black hair, bright eyes, and a rapid, eager delivery. In a moment he riveted each eye, and as the waves of the German Ocean softly murmured on the sandy shore, his striking thoughts, and blunt but true eloquence, not only commanded attention, but swayed all hearts. An aged man who was present, to this day loves to dilate on this special and powerful effort of the young wheelwright from Colchester.
Date: 1889