Aaron Burr Sr.: Founder and Second President of Princeton University
Aaron Burr Sr. (1716–1757) was a pivotal figure in colonial American education and religion. A dedicated Presbyterian minister and scholar, he is best remembered as a co-founder of the College of New Jersey—now known as Princeton University—and as the father of Aaron Burr Jr., the third vice president of the United States.
Key Facts
- Role: Second President of Princeton University (1748–1757).
- Legacy: Co-founded the College of New Jersey in 1746.
- Education: Graduated from Yale College in 1735.
- Major Achievement: Supervised the construction of Nassau Hall, the largest building in colonial New Jersey.
- Family: Son-in-law of the influential theologian Jonathan Edwards.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 4, 1716, in Fairfield, Connecticut Colony, Aaron Burr Sr. was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Burr. His father was a wealthy farmer of English descent, tracing his lineage back to Jehu Burr of Suffolk, England. Burr pursued his higher education at Yale College, earning his B.A. in 1735.
Following his graduation, Burr studied theology in New Haven. During this time, he became immersed in the First Great Awakening, a powerful spiritual revival that swept through the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. This movement brought him into the circle of Jonathan Edwards, a leading figure of the Awakening who served as Burr's mentor and eventually became his father-in-law.
Ministerial Career and Academic Contributions
Burr's professional life was a blend of pastoral care and academic instruction. On December 21, 1756, he became the minister of the Presbyterian Church of Newark in New Jersey. Beyond the pulpit, he was a dedicated educator, teaching Greek and Latin to local youth and co-authoring a textbook titled Introduction to the Latin Tongue.
His influence grew rapidly within the Presbyterian communities of upper New Jersey and New York City, establishing him as a prominent voice in the religious landscape of the era.
The Founding of Princeton University
The establishment of the College of New Jersey was born out of religious conflict. Between 1741 and 1758, the Presbyterian and Congregational churches were split between the "Old Side" (conservatives) and the "New Side" (pro-Awakening dissenters). This rift extended to Yale, where the pro-Awakening faction felt stifled by the administration of President Thomas Clap.
In response, Aaron Burr Sr., Jonathan Edwards, and Jonathan Dickinson founded the College of New Jersey in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1746. While Dickinson served as the first president, he passed away shortly after in 1747. Burr assumed the presidency on November 9, 1748, becoming the youngest person ever to lead the institution at age 32.
Under Burr's leadership, the college experienced significant growth. The student body expanded from 8 students in 1747 to between 40 and 50 by 1751. He established the core curriculum and oversaw the first commencement, which included graduate Richard Stockton, a future signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Burr also orchestrated the college's move to its permanent location in Princeton, New Jersey. There, he supervised the construction of Nassau Hall, completed in 1756, which stood as the largest building in colonial New Jersey.
Personal Life and Family
On June 29, 1752, Burr married Esther Edwards, the daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards. The couple had two children: a daughter, Sarah "Sally" Burr, and a son, Aaron Burr Jr. The family's intellectual and social connections were deep, linking them to some of the most influential thinkers and political figures of the colonial period.
Death and Legacy
Aaron Burr Sr.'s life was cut short in the fall of 1757. After traveling to Massachusetts to deliver a sermon at the funeral of Governor Jonathan Belcher, he contracted a fever. He died on September 24, 1757, at the age of 41. It is widely believed that overwork contributed to his premature death. He was interred in the President's Lot at Princeton Cemetery.
Tragically, his widow Esther died only seven months later, leaving their young children orphaned.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | January 4, 1716 – September 24, 1757 |
| Education | Yale College (B.A. 1735) |
| Presidency | 2nd President of Princeton University (1748–1757) |
| Key Building | Nassau Hall |
| Spouse | Esther Edwards |
| Notable Son | Aaron Burr Jr. (3rd US Vice President) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Aaron Burr Sr.'s role at Princeton University?
He was a co-founder of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and served as its second president from 1748 to 1757.
How did the First Great Awakening influence his career?
The Great Awakening created a divide between "Old Side" and "New Side" Presbyterians. As a "New Side" supporter, Burr's opposition to the conservative leadership at Yale led him to help found a new institution that embraced the Awakening's spiritual fervor.
What is Nassau Hall's significance to his legacy?
Burr supervised the construction of Nassau Hall, which was completed in 1756 and was the largest building in colonial New Jersey at the time.
Who were Aaron Burr Sr.'s most notable family members?
He was the father of Aaron Burr Jr., the third U.S. Vice President, and the son-in-law of the famous theologian Jonathan Edwards.
What caused the death of Aaron Burr Sr.?
He died of a fever in 1757 after traveling to Massachusetts. Historians believe his death was aggravated by overwork during his tenure as president.