Education
Harvard University.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Mather Byles
Not to be confused with his son Mather Byles.
Career
He published a book of verse, Poems on Various Occasions in 1744 (see 1744 in poetry). In 1773, he was chosen to be one of the eminent Boston literary intellectuals to examine Phillis Wheatley in order to determine if the black woman was actually the author of a proposed book of poems. (He and the rest of the panel determined that she was)
At the outbreak of the War of Independence Byles was outspoken in his advocacy of the royal cause, and after the British evacuation of Boston his connection with his church was dissolved.
Byles remained in Boston, however, and subsequently (1777) was arrested, tried and sentenced to deportation.
This sentence was later changed to imprisonment in his own house. (He called the sentry stationed outside the house his "Observe-a-Tory") He was soon released, but never resumed his pastorate.
He is known for saying "Which is better - to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants one mile away?" A variation of the quote is spoken by Mel Gibson in the The Patriot. Byles died in Boston on 5 July 1788, aged 82.
Besides many sermons Byles published A Poem on the Death of George I (1727).
Connections
- Son:
- Mather Byles
