Benjamin Wadsworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Wadsworth
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| President of Harvard College | |
| In office 1725–1737 |
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| Preceded by | John Leverett |
| Succeeded by | Edward Holyoke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 28, 1670 Milton, Norfolk, Massachusetts |
| Died | March 16, 1737 (aged 67) Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts |
| Spouse | Ruth Boardman |
| Alma mater | Harvard College |
Benjamin Wadsworth (born February 28, 1670 – died March 16, 1737) was an important American leader. He was a Congregational clergyman, which means he was a religious minister. He also worked as an educator.
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Who Was Benjamin Wadsworth?
Benjamin Wadsworth studied at Harvard College. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1690. He then got his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1693.
After his studies, he became a minister. He served at the First Church in Boston. This was a very important church at the time.
In 1725, Benjamin Wadsworth became the president of Harvard. He led the college until he passed away in 1737.
The Historic Wadsworth House
The Wadsworth House is a very old and famous building. It was built in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1726. It was made for Benjamin Wadsworth and his wife.
A Home for Harvard Presidents
This house is the second oldest building at Harvard. Only Massachusetts Hall is older. It was built where Harvard's very first building, the Peyntree House, once stood.
A very famous person stayed here during the American Revolution. General George Washington used the house as his first headquarters. This was from July 2 to July 16, 1775. His second-in-command, Charles Lee, helped him there. Washington then moved to a larger house nearby.
Nine Harvard presidents lived in Wadsworth House. They lived there from 1726 until 1849.
What Happened Next?
In 1849, the Harvard presidents stopped living in Wadsworth House. This happened when President Jared Sparks decided to stay in his own home.
After that, the house was used for other purposes. Students lived there as boarders. One famous student was Ralph Waldo Emerson. Visiting preachers also stayed there.
The house's front yard became smaller over time. This happened when Massachusetts Avenue was made wider.
Wadsworth House Today
Today, Wadsworth House is still an important building. It holds several offices for Harvard University.
It is home to the Office of the University Marshal. This office helps with important university events. The Commencement Office, which plans graduation, is also there.
The building also houses Professor Robert Darnton. He is the University Librarian. The Harvard Office for Scholarly Communication is there too. It is led by Peter Suber. Several professors also have offices in this historic house.
See also
- List of Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War
