Author: Benedict, David
Biography:
BENEDICT, David (1779-1874: WBIS)
pseudonym John of Enon
He was born in Norwalk CT to Thomas Benedict, a farmer, and Martha (Scudder) Benedict. A shoemaker's apprentice, he joined the Baptist Church in 1799 and subsequently went to school in New York State and then to Brown University, graduating in 1806. In 1808 he married Margaret Hubbel Gano: they had twelve children and lived together for sixty years. He served the First Baptist Church of Pawtucket for 23 years and was a trustee of Brown for 55 years. After giving up his pastorate, he continued his research in local and church history--A General History of the Baptist Denomination (1813), A History of All Religions (1824), Historical and Biographical Sketches of . . . Inhabitants of Pawtucket (1830?). He was also a founder of Sunday schools and a collector of hymns. (DAB) HJ