Smith, Cotton Mather

Smith, Cotton Mather, a Congregational minister, was born in Suffield, Conn., Oct. 26, 1731, and graduated at Yale College in 1751. He studied theology under the direction of the Rev. T. Woodbridge, of Hatfield, but before his course was completed he took charge of a school among the Indians at Stockbridge. He resumed his theological studies at Hatfield, and was licensed to preach in 1753. He was installed pastor of the First Church, Sharon, Conn., Aug. 28, 1755. Mr. Smith served as chaplain in the campaign of general Schuyler in 1755. He preached his last sermon on the first Sunday in January, 1806, but lingered for several months, dying Nov. 27, 1806. He published single Sermons (1770, 1771, 1793). "Mr. Smith was not only a polished gentleman, and a discreet and affectionate pastor, but a devout and earnest Christian, and an instructive and animated preacher." See Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit, 1, 500.