COTTON MATHER Meaning and
Definition
-
Cotton Mather was an influential figure in colonial America, particularly in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was a Puritan minister, theologian, and writer who played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of his time.
Born on February 12, 1663, in Boston, Mather came from a family of prominent Puritan ministers. He was educated at Harvard College and went on to serve as a minister at the North Church in Boston. Mather's deep-rooted religious beliefs and dedication to his faith were reflected in his prolific writings, with over 450 known publications to his name.
Mather is perhaps best known for his role during the Salem witch trials, a dark period in colonial history characterized by mass hysteria and false accusations of witchcraft. He fervently supported the trials and published several works defending the practice, perpetuating the belief in witchcraft and supernatural forces.
While the Salem witch trials remain a controversial and troubling aspect of Mather's legacy, he was also a proponent of education, and his efforts played a significant role in the establishment of the first American scientific society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Overall, Cotton Mather was a complex and influential figure in early American history. His religious zeal, prolific writings, and involvement in the Salem witch trials have made him a subject of both admiration and criticism, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural and religious development of colonial America.
Common Misspellings for COTTON MATHER
- xotton mather
- votton mather
- fotton mather
- dotton mather
- citton mather
- cktton mather
- cltton mather
- cptton mather
- c0tton mather
- c9tton mather
- corton mather
- cofton mather
- cogton mather
- coyton mather
- co6ton mather
- co5ton mather
- cotron mather
- cotfon mather
- cotgon mather
- cotyon mather
Etymology of COTTON MATHER
The word Cotton Mather is not etymologically derived from any particular language or root. It is actually a proper noun referring to a historical figure named Cotton Mather. Cotton Mather (1663-1728) was a prominent Puritan minister and writer in 17th and 18th century colonial America. His name does not have a linguistic origin, but rather is a combination of his first name, Cotton, which is of English origin, and his last name, Mather, which is derived from the English occupational surname mather meaning a person who mows or cuts grass.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
