Background
Tennent was born in Mid Calder, Linlithgowshire, Scotland, in 1673.
Tennent was born in Mid Calder, Linlithgowshire, Scotland, in 1673.
Graduated from the University Edinburgh (Scotland), 1695.
He filled his pupils with evangelical zeal, and a number became revivalist preachers in the First Great Awakening. The educational influence of the Log College was of importance since many of its graduates founded schools along the frontier. Princeton University is regarded as the successor to the Log College.
The name Log College had a negative connotation at the time, as it was a derisive nickname attached to the school by ministers educated in Europe.
They chided Tennent for trying to educate poor farm boys considered by some to be unsuitable for the ministry. At least one school, William Tennent High School (located close to the location of the Log College) is named for Tennent.
In addition, there is a Log College Middle School named in honor of the original Log College, and is about.25 miles (040 km) from the original building"s location. Both schools are public schools located within the Centennial School District in Buckinghamshire County, Pennsylvania, specifically Warminster, Pennsylvania. Tennent"s sons Gilbert and William, Junior. were also noted early American clergymen.
Tennent’s last will and testament is on record at the Buckinghamshire County Court House.
Married Catharine Kennedy, May 15, 1702, 5 children including Gilbert.