Wadsworth, John W

Wadsworth, John W.

a Congregational minister, was born in Milton, Mass., Aug. 6, 1703. He was the grandson of captain Samuel Wadsworth, who fell, at Bloody Brook. He graduated at Harvard College in 1723; was ordained at Canterbury, Conn., in 1729; and resigned in 1741 on account of a charge of immoral conduct brought against him. He retired to his native home, preached occasionally, and died there. June 15, 1766. Tradition says that his death took place in the pulpit immediately after he had read a hymn containing this verse:

"Hosanna, with a cheerful sound, To God's upholding hand; Ten thousand snares beset us round, And yet secure we stand." See Cong. Quar. 1859, p. 353.