John Oxenbridge facts for kids
John Oxenbridge was an English religious leader who lived a long time ago (from 1608 to 1674). He was a "Nonconformist," meaning he didn't always agree with the main church in England. He later moved to America, to a place called New England.
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John Oxenbridge's Early Life and Education
John was born in Daventry, England, on January 30, 1608. He went to important universities like Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Magdalen Hall, Oxford. He studied hard and earned his first degree in 1628 and a master's degree in 1631.
At Oxford, he became a teacher. He tried to change some rules at his college. Because of this, he lost his teaching job in 1634. After leaving the college, John married his first wife, Jane Butler.
Preaching and Travels
John began to preach, even without official permission. His wife, Jane, was very smart about religious topics. He often asked for her thoughts on a Bible passage before he preached about it.
He traveled to the Bermudas islands. After these trips, he returned to England in 1641. He preached in different places, including Great Yarmouth and Beverley. During the English Civil War, he was a preacher in York. He also helped with the surrender of Scarborough Castle.
In 1652, he became a minister in Berwick-on-Tweed. Later that year, he was chosen to be a fellow at Eton College.
Life at Eton and Later Marriages
In 1653, John was given a special job related to the Bermudas. While at Eton in 1658, he gave the funeral speech for Francis Rous, who was the head of the college.
In 1658, his first wife, Jane, passed away. Their friend, Andrew Marvell, wrote a special poem for her tomb. Less than a year later, John married his second wife, Frances Woodward. Sadly, Frances died shortly after their marriage.
In 1660, John was removed from his position at Eton. He went back to preaching in Berwick-on-Tweed. However, a new law in 1662, called the Act of Uniformity, forced him to leave his church. After this, he spent time in Surinam and Barbados. He met his third wife, Susanna, in Barbados and they married after 1666.
Moving to New England
In 1670, John Oxenbridge moved to Boston, Massachusetts, in America. He and Susanna became members of the First Church in Boston. Soon after, he was asked to become the pastor of that church.
John Oxenbridge passed away in 1674 while giving a sermon. He was buried in Boston.
John Oxenbridge's Published Works
John Oxenbridge wrote several books and sermons. Here are some of his known works:
- A Double Watch-Word (1661)
- A Quickening Word (1670)
- New England Freemen Warned and Warmed (1673)
John Oxenbridge's Family Connections
- His sister, Elizabeth, married Oliver St John.
- His daughter, Theodora, married Peter Thacher.
