It does not appear that up to this time he had formed any definite views of Christianity different from those in which he had been educated.ĭuring his residence in Exeter he began a course of study with reference to the ministry, and it was here probably that his mind began first to diverge from the faith of his fathers. His father addressed to him an excellent letter on the occasion, reminding him of the solemnity of the act which he was about to perform, but seems to have had no scruples about complying with his request. About this time he offered himself as a candidate for membership in his father’s church. His oration delivered at the Commencement, when he took his first degree, taken in connection with his very youthful appearance and beautiful form and face, quite captivated the audience.Īfter leaving college, he accepted the appointment of assistant teacher in Exeter Academy. His college “themes” showed a richness and gracefulness of mind, and sometimes an extent of reading, that was truly remarkable and his reading and speaking were so inimitably beautiful that it was regarded as a high privilege to listen to them. His college course fully realized in its progress all that was promised at its commencement. In 1797 Joseph was admitted, at the age of thirteen, to Harvard College. Meanwhile it was a matter of doubt whether his collegiate course should be at Harvard or Yale, the son preferring the former on account of some associations which he had formed at Exeter, and the father indicating to the latter as most likely to secure to his son the religious influence which he considered most desirable. So rapid was his progress that at the age of twelve he was well prepared to enter college but his father kept him back till the next year. Here he was scarcely less under the influence of his father than while he was under the paternal roof for he was constantly receiving from him letters of the most judicious and affectionate counsel. Until the age of ten Joseph remained at the grammar school at Portsmouth but in the year 1795 he was sent to Phillips Academy, Exeter, which, at that time, and for nearly half a century after, was under the care of Dr. He began to study Latin at the age of four, and was so desirous of studying Greek also that his father taught him to read a chapter in the Greek Testament by pronouncing the words to him. The early development of the son was in some respects unprecedented. Stevens, of Kittery Point, and was distinguished alike for her accomplishments and piety. His mother was the only daughter of the Rev. Joseph Buckminster of Portsmouth, N.H., was born May 26, 1784. Joseph Stevens Buckminster, a son of the Rev.
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