Jonathan Edwards
Born in 1703
edwards.yale.edu
Jonathan Edwards was a prominent American philosopher-theologian and key figure in the First Great Awakening.
Born in 1703, he entered Yale at age 12 and graduated as valedictorian.
Edwards experienced a spiritual conversion in 1721, embracing Calvinism.
He became a minister in Northampton, Massachusetts, where his preaching sparked religious revivals.
Edwards was known for his rigorous study habits and intellectual prowess.
After being dismissed from Northampton over communion practices, he served as a missionary to Native Americans.
Edwards later became president of the College of New Jersey (Princeton) but died shortly after taking office in 1758 from complications of a smallpox inoculation.
