Biography of Benjamin Colman

Benjamin Colman (or Coleman) was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Glasgow in 1731, and was considered to be one of the most prominent nonconformist ministers of his generation.

Colman was born in Boston, USA, on 19 October 1673. A Harvard graduate, Colman practiced as a pastor. He was ordained a Presbyterian minister in London, and en route to London was briefly imprisonment in France by French pirates. Returning to Boston in 1699, Colman was appointed minister of the liberal Brattle Street Church (1699). He was active in numerous societies, such as the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England and Parts Adjacent, and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Colman also served as a member of Harvard College Corporation and was actively involved in Harvard and Yale appointments.

Colman received an honorary DD degree from the University of Glasgow in 1731, some 21 years after his former school companion, Cotton Mather, received his DD from the University.

Colman died in August 1747, at the age of 74.

Summary

Benjamin Colman
Born 19 October 1673.
Died 29 August 1747.
University Link: Honorary Graduate
GU Degree: DD, 1731; Arts,
Occupation categories: clergymen
Record last updated: 7th Jul 2014

University Connections

University Roles

• Honorary Graduate

Images

Benjamin Coleman, Register of Diplomas 1731