Wadsworth, Benjamin (1670-02-28 - 1737-03-16)

GEMMS Person ID
GEMMS-PERSON- 2721
(old series: GEMMS-PERSON-2938)
Name
Benjamin Wadsworth
Gender
Male
Lived
b. 1670-02-28 d. 1737-03-16 (old)
Manuscripts
Linked Sermons
Associated Places
Source of Data

Catherine Evans

Biographical Sources Consulted

Houghton Library catalogue.

Other note

Wadsworth was born in Milton, MA and attended Harvard College, receiving an A.B. degree in 1690 and A.M. degree in 1693. He was then appointed pastor of the First Church of Boston, one of the most important pulpits in New England. He was popular with the congregation, holding the post for over 30 years. He married Ruth Boardman (d. 1745) in 1696. They would have no issue but boarded and taught children throughout Wadsworth's tenure as a preacher. He served as Fellow of Harvard College from 1697 to 1707 and from 1712 to 1737 he was president of the College, the eighth to hold the post. During his time in post, he established new College Laws, improved the curriculum and appointed the first Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. He instituted innovative record-keeping strategies, ensuring that formal lists of students, graduates, and faculty were kept and recouped lost College property.

GEMMS record created
April 19, 2020
GEMMS record last edited
July 15, 2024