Reverend Ezra Stiles
by Reuben Moulthrop, ca. 1812
Oil on canvas, 36" x 29"
Redwood Library Painting
Collection
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Ezra Stiles
b. North Haven, CT, November
29, 1727
d.
New Haven, CT, May 12, 1795
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Called to Newport - thought living here would be an excellent opportunity
due to thriving seaport, a cultural center, and the Redwood Library.
Ordained as pastor of Second Congregational Church on October 22, 1755,
beginning 20 year residency here.
His Newport days were considered the happiest and most active of his life.
Becomes the librarian of the Redwood Library in 1756. Influential
in obtaining works for the library. Portrait of Stiles in possession
of library - a copy of an original painted in 1794 by Reuben Moulthrop.
Left the people of Newport two important documents - his map of Newport
c. 1758 and his diary, which was subsequently edited by F.B. Dexter and
published in 1901.
The diary reported in great detail on Newport’s daily life and the map,
is an impressive effort on his part. The map details houses with
the number of stories, wharves, etc. He paced out the distances of
these items. Original map, in possession of Redwood Library, is considered
one of the greatest treasures of the institution.
Stiles played important part in the founding of Rhode Island College (now
known as Brown University) in 1764.
Stiles took great interest in the welfare of Negro slaves. He himself
had one and set him free. Held evening classes on Clarke Street for
Negroes, which included preaching and singing.
Fond of silkworms, had white mulberry trees in his garden for use in experiments
and the manufacture of the silkworms. The parsonage main door faced
south into garden, however has now been turned toward street. The
parsonage of Stiles is located at #14 Clarke Street, also known as the
Henderson Home for Aged Men.
Still standing across the street at #15 Clarke Street is his church, now
converted to condominiums. Sometimes referred to as the "Dr. Stiles
Meetinghouse," Stiles was afraid that during the British occupation of
Newport the guns of the warships were aimed at the church.
During this occupation most of his congregation had left town. He
was thought of so highly by his parishioners that they were unwilling to
dismiss him as their pastor. Stiles was not formally dismissed by
the congregation until the next minister took charge in May of 1786 - ten
years after he left town.
A staunch supporter of the Revolution, advocate of rights and liberties,
leaves the hostilities of Newport for Dighton, MA in March of 1776.
He does visit Newport, not to live but to preach while living in Dighton.
Visits Newport after occupation ends.
Scholar, educator, son of a congregational minister, president of Yale.
A leading intellectual of the colonial period, often referred to as "the
most learned man in New England" (subjective). A very open-minded
person to other forms of religion.
Graduated Yale (1746); licensed to preach and named tutor at Yale (1749);
admitted to the Bar in Connecticut (1753). While at Yale, becomes
engaged in electrical experiments after apparatus is sent by Benjamin Franklin.
After Newport days (removed March 1776), took charge of parishes in Taunton,
MA, Providence, RI and in May 1777 took charge of a church in Portsmouth,
NH.
Elected president of Yale in September 1777 but did not accept post until
March 1778, died in office. Buried at Grove Street Cemetery in New
Haven, CT.
Bibliography
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