Christian Cyclopedia

Family name prominent in early New Eng. hist. 1. Richard (1596–1669). Father of 2; b. Lowton, Lancashire, Eng.; ordained in Angl. Ch. 1618; suspended 1633/34 for Puritanism: to Boston, Massachusetts, 1635; Cong. pastor Dorchester, Massachusetts, 1636–69. 2. Increase (1639–1723). Son of 1, father of 3; b. Dorchester, Massachusetts; educ. Harvard U., Cambridge, Massachusetts; Cong. pastor Boston 1664–1723; pres. Harvard U. 1685–1701. 3. Cotton (1663–1728). Son of 2; b. Boston, Massachusetts; asst. to his father 1685–1723; his father's successor 1723; first supported witchhunts, later regarded them as unfair. Works include Magnalia Christi Americana: Or the Ecclesiastical History of New England from Its First Planting in the Year 1620 unto the Year of Our Lord 1698.