W. Gibson Ward

William Gibson Ward (1819 – 18 October 1882) was an English activist for vegetarianism, anti-vivisection and anti-vaccination.

Biography William Gibson Ward was born in Birmingham in 1819. He was the Herefordshire squire of Perriston Towers, Ross. Ward became a vegetarian at the age of 30, and also abstained from alcohol and tobacco; Ward was a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and vice-president of the Vegetarian Society. In 1874, Ward, Isaac Pitman, John Davie and Francis William Newman were described as "four leading vegetarians" in England. Ward later withdrew his false charges against Taylor and regretted having made them. An apology by his solicitor on his behalf was produced at court and the apology was accepted and signed by all parties involved.

Ward contributed to the National Anti-Compulsory Vaccination Reporter, an anti-vaccination journal. Journalist Howard Evans was highly critical of Ward and his activities. He commented that Ward was a "ferocious hater of the landed aristocracy" and "never was there such a man who had such a curious bundle of fanaticisms."

Ward died on 18 October 1882, aged 63, due to tuberculosis at his residence, Perriston Towers, in Ross.

Legacy

Henry S. Clubb, the founder and first president of the American Vegetarian Society, cited Ward as his inspiration for becoming a vegetarian, based on Ward's visits to his father's home.

Selected publications