Sparks

Sparks, JARED (1789-1866), president of Harvard University, was born in Connecticut, and was a carpenter by trade. He was enabled to study at Harvard, and was made one of its tutors in 1817. He read theology deeply, and in 1819 was ordained a Unitarian, writing several theological treatises. Retiring in 1821 from the ministry, he settled in Boston, and produced his valuable Life of Governor Morris, Life and Writings of Washington (1834-37), his edition of Franklin's works, and his Correspondence of the American Revolution. He became a professor of Harvard in 1839, and president in 1849.