Shepard, Thomas

Shepard, Thomas

(1605–49) Protestant clergyman; born in Towcester, England. Educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and ordained in 1627, he was silenced for nonconformity and emigrated to Massachusetts in 1635. He espoused a stern Calvinist doctrine as pastor at Newtown (now Cambridge). A promoter of education, he was said to have established the first scholarships for needy students in America. His autobiography provides a detailed portrait of his times.