1707

Samuel Andrew, Rev

Rector Pro Tempore — Collegiate School / Yale College

• Description: When Abraham Pierson, the first Rector of the Collegiate School, dies on March 5, 1707 in Killingworth, the trustees are unprepared to elect a successor and turn to Samuel Andrew to serve as rector pro tempore. He holds this position from 1707 until 1719 — twelve years. He refuses throughout this period to relocate from Milford to New Haven, loyal to his congregation. His solution is practical: the senior class of the Collegiate School removes to Milford each year so that Andrew can personally supervise and instruct them while remaining in his parish. He makes no secret of his desire to be relieved of the rectorship. The institution's most significant renaming occurs during his tenure: in 1718, following Elihu Yale's donation of nine bales of goods (sold for over £560), four hundred and seventeen books, and a portrait of King George I, Cotton Mather proposes that the school be renamed Yale College. The college receives its permanent name under Andrew's watch.
• Source: Geni.com, Rev. Samuel Andrew (1656–1738) — https://www.geni.com/people/Rev-Samuel-Andrew/6000000026890154770; WikiTree, Samuel Andrew (1656–1738), Andrew-60 — https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Andrew-60; American Revolution Talk, Collegiate School Founded — https://www.revwartalk.com/10-09-1701-colleges-collegiate-school-yale-university-founded-in-connecticut/
• Quote: "He served as the rector pro tempore of the Collegiate School between 1707 (the death of Rev. Abraham Pierson, the first rector) and 1719. During his tenure the school was renamed Yale College to honor a gift from Elihu Yale, a governor of the British East India Company." — WikiTree, Samuel Andrew, Andrew-60