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John Witherspoon: American Revolutionary and Presbyterian Minister

David Baldacci

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Published in John Witherspoon S American Revolution (Published By The Omohundro Institute Of Early American History And Culture And The University Of North Carolina Press)

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John Witherspoon, American Revolutionary And Presbyterian Minister John Witherspoon S American Revolution (Published By The Omohundro Institute Of Early American History And Culture And The University Of North Carolina Press)

John Witherspoon was an American Presbyterian minister, educator, and political figure who played a prominent role in the American Revolution.

Witherspoon was born in Scotland in 1723. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1745. In 1768, he emigrated to America and became the president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).

John Witherspoon's American Revolution (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press)

by Troy Liposec

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Witherspoon was a strong supporter of American independence. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1782 and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He also served as a chaplain to the Continental Army.

After the war, Witherspoon continued to serve as president of the College of New Jersey. He died in 1794.

Early Life and Education

John Witherspoon was born in Gifford, Scotland, on February 5, 1723. He was the son of David Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister, and his wife, Agnes. Witherspoon received his early education at the local parish school. In 1739, he enrolled at the University of Edinburgh, where he studied philosophy and theology.

Witherspoon was a brilliant student. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1743 with a Master of Arts degree. He then returned to his hometown and began his career as a Presbyterian minister.

Career as a Presbyterian Minister

Witherspoon was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1745. He served as pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Beith, Scotland, for six years. In 1753, he was called to become the minister of the Presbyterian Church in Paisley, Scotland.

Witherspoon was a popular and respected minister. He was known for his eloquence and his deep understanding of the Scriptures. He was also a strong advocate for education and social reform.

Emigration to America

In 1768, Witherspoon emigrated to America to become the president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). He was the first person to hold this position who was not a native-born American.

Witherspoon's presidency was a time of great growth and change for the College of New Jersey. He increased the number of students and faculty, and he expanded the curriculum to include new subjects such as science and medicine.

Witherspoon was also a strong supporter of American independence. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1782 and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He also served as a chaplain to the Continental Army.

Later Life and Death

After the war, Witherspoon continued to serve as president of the College of New Jersey. He died in 1794 at the age of 71.

Legacy

John Witherspoon was a major figure in the American Revolution and in the history of the Presbyterian Church in America. He was a gifted orator, a brilliant theologian, and a tireless advocate for education and social reform.

Witherspoon's legacy continues to this day. The College of New Jersey, which he led for so many years, is now one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. And the Presbyterian Church in America, which he helped to shape, continues to be a major force in American religious life.

Additional Resources

* John Witherspoon at Princeton University * John Witherspoon at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) * John Witherspoon: American Revolutionary and Presbyterian Minister by Robert L. Bruner

John Witherspoon's American Revolution (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press)

by Troy Liposec

5 out of 5