Chauncy, Nathaniel

Chauncy, Nathaniel, a Congregational minister, was born at Hatfield, Mass., Sept. 26, 1681. He was the son of Rev. Nathaniel Chauncy, and grandson of Charles, Chauncy, president of Harvard College. In his boyhood he was sent to his uncle. Rev. Israel Chauncy, of Stratford, Conn., under whom he prepared for college, and was one of the first class of six enrolled on the catalogue of Yale College. After graduating he went to Durham in 1706, and was ordained Feb. 7, 1711. He died there Feb. 1,1756. His library was large and well selected. In his tastes and acquisitions he was. a theological scholar of the Puritan type.. As a preacher he was eminently instructive and attractive. His elocution was distinct, and his language carefully chosen. He was a fellow of Yale College. Frequently he had young men under his care preparing for college. His counsel was often sought for by neighboring churches. He published some Sermons (1719, 1734). See Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit., 263.