Harvard, John

Harvard, John founder of Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass., was born in England, studied at Emanuel College, Cambridge, where he became A.M. in 1635, and entered into the ministry among the Dissenters. Emigrating to America, he became pastor of a Congregational society at Charlestown, Mass., where he preached but a short time, and died Sept. 14, 1638. In his will he left a legacy of nearly £800 to the high school of Cambridge. This bequest laid the foundation of the college, to which the trustees gave the name of its benefactor.