James Pierpont (minister)

James Pierpont (January 4, 1659 – November 22, 1714) was a Congregationalist minister who is credited with the founding of Yale University in the United States. In 1701, Pierpont secured the charter for The Collegiate School of Connecticut, which soon thereafter took the surname of its benefactor Elihu Yale.

Biography

He was born on Roxbury, Massachusetts in January 4, 1659. He attended The Roxbury Latin School and Harvard University.

James Pierpont married in 1698 as his third wife Mary Hooker, daughter of Rev. Samuel Hooker and granddaughter of Rev. Thomas Hooker, chief founder of the Colony of Connecticut. Their daughter, Sarah Pierpont, married noted colonial minister Jonathan Edwards.

He died on November 22, 1714 in New Haven, Connecticut.

Legacy

James Pierpont's descendants also include U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr and financier John Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan.