Ichabod Chauncey facts for kids

Ichabod Chauncey (born 1635, died 1691) was an English doctor and a religious leader. He was known as a "Nonconformist," meaning he didn't follow the official Church of England rules. He worked as a chaplain (a religious leader for soldiers) in Dunkirk. Later, he was a minister in Bristol. Because of his beliefs, he lost his job in 1662. After that, he became a doctor in Bristol. In 1684, he was forced to leave England because of his religious views. He came back to Bristol in 1686.

Early Life and Family

Ichabod Chauncey was born in Ware, Hertfordshire, England. His father was Charles Chauncy, a Puritan minister. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to "purify" the Church of England.

In 1638, when Ichabod was young, his family moved to New England. This was because his father disagreed with some church practices in England. His father later became the president of Harvard College in America.

Education and Career

Ichabod Chauncey studied at Harvard College. He earned his first degree in 1651 and a master's degree in 1654. After finishing his studies, he returned to England.

He became a chaplain for a military regiment in Dunkirk. Around 1662, a new law called the Uniformity Act was passed. This law required ministers to follow certain church rules. Because Ichabod was a Nonconformist, he lost his position as a minister in Bristol.

After losing his job, he started working as a doctor in Bristol. He became a successful physician over the next eighteen years. He was also a licensed doctor with the London College of Physicians.

Challenges and Exile

Ichabod Chauncey faced difficulties because of his religious beliefs. In 1682, he was taken to court for not attending the official church services. He explained that he tried to worship in a way that was similar to the early Christian church. However, he was still found guilty and had to pay a fine.

In 1684, he was prosecuted again for similar reasons. He was held in prison for eighteen weeks before his trial. The court ordered him to give up his property and leave England within three months.

He often defended other Nonconformists in Bristol who were facing legal trouble for their religious practices. Some records suggest that his persecution might have been due to personal dislike from a town official.

Later Years and Death

After being forced to leave England, Ichabod Chauncey lived in Holland. While there, he continued his medical studies at Leiden University. He also served a religious community.

In 1686, he received a pardon, which allowed him to return to Bristol. He passed away in Bristol on July 25, 1691. He was buried in St Philip's churchyard. He was survived by his wife, Mary, and their three sons: Staunton, Charles, and Nathaniel. His son Charles also became a doctor, and Nathaniel served as a minister for many years.

Writings

Ichabod Chauncey wrote one book called Innocence vindicated by a Narrative of the Proceedings of the Court of Sessions in Bristol against I. C., Physician, to his Conviction on the Statute of the 36th Elizabeth. This book was printed in Holland while he was in exile. It explained his side of the story and defended his actions in England.