Jean Despagne

Born in Mizoën in 1591, Jean Despagne is a rare example of a destiny that extends far beyond the horizon of the valley. Son of the pastor of Mizoën, he received a solid education and was ordained a pastor in 1612. After preaching in La Grave and Mizoën, he left for the Netherlands and then England, where he established himself in London by 1636. Protected by great figures of the era, he dedicated works to Kings James I and Charles I. Between 1632 and 1657, he published theological and moral treatises that were reprinted in several European cities. He died in London on April 25, 1659, after forty-two years of ministry.