Leonard Hoar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonard Hoar
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| President of Harvard College | |
| In office 1672–1675 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Chauncy |
| Succeeded by | Urian Oakes acting |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1630 Gloucestershire |
| Died | November 28, 1675 (aged 44–45) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Signature |  |
Leonard Hoar (born 1630, died 1675) was an English minister and teacher. He moved to America and later became the president of Harvard College. His time leading Harvard was short and had some challenges.
Early Life and Education
Leonard Hoar was born in Gloucestershire, England, around 1630. He was the fourth son of Charles Hoare and Joanna Hinkesman. After his father passed away in 1638, Leonard and his mother moved to America.
He studied at Harvard College and graduated in 1650. In 1653, he returned to England and became a preacher. He worked in a church in Wanstead, Essex. However, he lost his job there in 1662 because of new laws that changed how churches were run in England.
Hoar also earned a Master of Arts degree from Cambridge University. In 1671, he received a special Doctor of Medicine degree from Cambridge, given by the king.
Leading Harvard College
In 1672, Leonard Hoar came back to Massachusetts. He was invited to preach at the Old South Church in Boston. At this time, Harvard College needed a new president. The previous president, Charles Chauncy, had died.
Important ministers in London, who helped raise money for Harvard, strongly suggested Hoar for the job. The leaders in Massachusetts agreed to pay a higher salary if Hoar was chosen. So, on December 10, 1672, Leonard Hoar became the president of Harvard. This was a bit of a surprise to some, as many thought Urian Oakes would get the job.
Hoar had big plans for Harvard. He wanted it to be a place for important research. He wrote to famous scientist Robert Boyle about his ideas. He also worked to make education more modern. He added a garden, a workshop, and a chemistry lab to the college. This was a new way to teach practical skills.
Leonard Hoar was the first Harvard president who had also graduated from the college himself. However, he wasn't very popular with the students or the people of Massachusetts. Some of his religious ideas were seen as too different.
His time as president was difficult. Most students left the college, except for three. One of these students, Samuel Sewall, later defended Hoar. Sewall said that the college's problems were both inside and outside the school.
A writer named Daniel Munro Wilson described the situation:
The students turned against the president. They made fun of everything he did and said. They tried to make him seem bad.
Hoar was forced to resign on March 15, 1675.
Later Life and Legacy
Sadly, Leonard Hoar became very sick after resigning. He died on November 28, 1675, in Boston. He was 45 years old.
His wife, Bridget, passed away in Boston in 1723. They had two daughters:
- Bridget, who married Rev. Thomas Cotton. He was a generous supporter of Harvard College.
- Tryphena.
Leonard Hoar also wrote some books and scholarly works:
- Index Biblicus: This book helped people understand the Bible better. It included a timeline and a way to compare the four Gospels.
- The First Catalogue of Members of Harvard College: This was a list of Harvard's first students, published in 1674.
- The Sting of Death and Death Unstung: These were two sermons published after his death.
Images for kids
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Leonard Hoar's signature
