Cotton Mather
| |
| Name | Cotton Mather |
| Birth name | |
| Birth date | February 12, 1663 |
| Birth place | Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony |
| Death date | February 13, 1728 |
| Death place | Boston, Province of Massachusetts Bay |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Minister, Author |
| Years active | |
| Organization | |
| Known for | Salem Witch Trials, Smallpox Inoculation |
| Notable works | |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Website | |
Cotton Mather (February 12, 1663 – February 13, 1728) was a socially and politically influential New England Puritan minister, prolific author, and pamphleteer. He is often remembered for his role in the Salem witch trials and for his early advocacy of smallpox inoculation.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Cotton Mather was born in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony, to Increase Mather and Maria Cotton. He was the grandson of John Cotton and Richard Mather, both prominent Puritan ministers. Mather entered Harvard College at the age of 12 and graduated in 1678. He was ordained as a minister in 1685.
Career[edit | edit source]
Mather was a minister at the Old North Church in Boston. He was a prolific writer, publishing over 450 works, including books, pamphlets, and sermons. His most famous work, Magnalia Christi Americana, is a comprehensive history of the New England colonies.
Salem Witch Trials[edit | edit source]
Cotton Mather is often associated with the Salem witch trials of 1692. Although he did not directly participate in the trials, his writings and sermons on witchcraft and the supernatural influenced the proceedings. Mather's book, Wonders of the Invisible World, defended the judges and the trials, arguing that the devil was at work in New England.
Smallpox Inoculation[edit | edit source]
In 1721, during a smallpox epidemic in Boston, Mather learned about the practice of inoculation from his African slave, Onesimus. Mather advocated for the use of inoculation, a controversial practice at the time, to prevent the spread of smallpox. His efforts were met with resistance, but he is credited with helping to introduce the practice to the American colonies.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Cotton Mather's legacy is complex. He is remembered for his contributions to early American literature and his role in the history of medicine. However, his involvement in the Salem witch trials has also left a controversial mark on his reputation.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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