Acrelius, Israel

Acrelius, Israel, a Swedish clergyman, was born at Ostaker, Dec. 25, 1714. He was educated at Upsala, and ordained in 1743. In 1749 he was appointed provost to take charge of the Swedish congregations on the Delaware, and pastor of Raccoon and Pensneck. Christiana was subsequently added to his charge. He remained in America until 1756, when ill-health compelled him to return to Sweden. He was rewarded by the king, for his faithful services, with a large pension and the lucrative living of Fellingsbro. He died April 25, 1800. Acrelius wrote some articles on American affairs, which were printed in the Swedish journals, several religious works, and a description of the Swedish colonies in America (1759).