American colonial educator, first president of Harvard College, born in Lancashire, England. A nonconformist, he left his mother-country to escape persecution. Soon after his arrival in America he was selected for the presidency of Harvard College, which previously had no executive officer. In 1654, after fourteen years’ service, he resigned on account of differences in regard to belief in infant baptism. He was a man of great energy and power, and through his influence Harvard College was placed upon a firm and lasting basis. He died in Scituate, MA, on the 27th of February 1659.
