John Davenport, English minister, co-founded the New Haven Colony (d. 1670)

John Davenport (April 9, 1597 – May 30, 1670) was a towering figure among the English Puritan clergy whose unwavering convictions ultimately led him across the Atlantic. He is most prominently remembered as a co-founder of the American colony of New Haven, a venture that aimed to establish a society governed strictly by biblical principles during a tumultuous era of religious and political upheaval.

Early Life and Puritan Convictions

Born on April 9, 1597, in Coventry, Warwickshire, England, John Davenport’s early life was steeped in an environment that would shape his fervent religious beliefs. He pursued his education at Oxford University, first at Merton College and then Magdalen Hall, where he absorbed the intellectual currents of his time. Ordained as a minister in the Church of England, Davenport quickly became a leading voice within the burgeoning Puritan movement. This movement sought to purify the Church of England of what they considered remnants of Roman Catholicism, advocating for simpler forms of worship and a more rigorous adherence to biblical teachings. Davenport served in various ecclesiastical roles, gaining renown for his powerful preaching and his staunch commitment to Puritan ideals. However, his increasingly non-conformist views placed him at odds with the evolving policies of King Charles I and Archbishop William Laud, who sought to enforce religious uniformity. Facing persecution and the suppression of Puritan practices in England, Davenport eventually resigned his living and sought refuge in the Netherlands in 1633, joining other English Separatists there.

The Vision for New Haven

The call of the New World, however, proved irresistible for Davenport and many like-minded Puritans. He believed in the possibility of establishing a truly godly society, a "city upon a hill," free from the corruptions he perceived in both the English church and state. In 1637, he returned to England briefly to prepare for his momentous journey. Accompanied by his close friend and wealthy merchant, Theophilus Eaton, and a group of fellow Puritans, Davenport set sail for Massachusetts in 1637. Upon their arrival, they found the existing settlements, particularly the Massachusetts Bay Colony, to be too lax or already embroiled in various theological disputes for their specific vision. Thus, Davenport and Eaton embarked on a new quest for a suitable location where they could build their ideal commonwealth.

Founding the New Haven Colony

In 1638, after exploring various sites, Davenport, Eaton, and their company landed at a place the local Quinnipiac people called "Quinnipiac," which they soon renamed New Haven. The founding of New Haven was distinct; it was not based on a royal charter like many other colonies but rather on a covenant among the settlers to establish a government directly founded upon biblical law. Davenport envisioned a society where the church and state were inextricably linked, with only church members holding full citizenship rights and participating in civil governance. This strict, theocratic model was a hallmark of New Haven, reflecting Davenport’s profound belief that God's word should be the sole guide for both spiritual and temporal affairs. He served as the primary pastor and a leading spiritual and political guide for the colony, deeply influencing its laws and social structure for many years. The New Haven Colony grew, eventually encompassing several surrounding towns, and became known for its strong emphasis on education and righteous living.

Later Life and Legacy

Despite the initial idealism, the New Haven Colony faced significant challenges. Its lack of a formal royal charter left it vulnerable, particularly after the Restoration of the Monarchy in England in 1660. Ultimately, in 1665, after much political maneuvering and pressure, the New Haven Colony was forcibly absorbed into the larger, royally chartered Connecticut Colony. This was a bitter blow for Davenport and his fellow leaders, as it meant the end of their independent, biblically-based commonwealth. In 1668, at the advanced age of 71, Davenport accepted an invitation to serve as the pastor of the First Church in Boston, Massachusetts, where he continued to preach and advocate for his Puritan principles. He passed away on May 30, 1670, leaving behind a complex legacy. John Davenport is remembered not only as a courageous clergyman who championed Puritan ideals but also as a dedicated founder whose vision for a unique "Bible Commonwealth" significantly shaped the early colonial landscape of New England, even if its independent existence was ultimately short-lived.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Davenport and the New Haven Colony

Who was John Davenport?

John Davenport (1597–1670) was an influential English Puritan clergyman, scholar, and a key figure in the Great Migration to New England. He is most renowned as the co-founder and leading minister of the New Haven Colony.

What was the New Haven Colony?

The New Haven Colony was an independent Puritan settlement established in 1638 in what is now Connecticut. It was unique for its strict adherence to biblical law as the sole basis for both its civil and religious governance, seeking to create a pure "Bible Commonwealth."

Why did John Davenport help found New Haven?

Davenport, facing religious persecution for his Puritan beliefs in England, sought to establish a society free from what he viewed as the corruptions of the Church of England and English society. He envisioned New Haven as a pristine theocracy, a model community where God's laws were paramount.

Who was Theophilus Eaton?

Theophilus Eaton was a wealthy English merchant and a close friend and associate of John Davenport. He played a crucial role in providing financial backing and leadership for the founding of the New Haven Colony, serving as its first governor for many years.

What happened to the New Haven Colony?

Due to its lack of a formal royal charter and political pressures following the Restoration of the Monarchy in England, the New Haven Colony was eventually absorbed into the larger Connecticut Colony in 1665. This marked the end of its independent existence as a distinct "Bible Commonwealth."

What was Davenport’s role in New Haven?

As the primary pastor of the New Haven church, John Davenport was the spiritual and intellectual leader of the colony. He deeply influenced its laws, social structure, and educational efforts, ensuring its governance was rooted firmly in his interpretation of biblical scripture.