The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 564 - Early Bad Boys of Harvard
Dec 20, 2022
Dave and Gareth dive into the chaotic beginnings of Harvard, spotlighting Nathaniel Ward and the colony's Puritan roots. They discuss the surprisingly progressive Body of Liberties, and the turbulent disciplinary history under Nathaniel Eaton, the first headmaster notorious for his harsh methods. The podcast reveals student complaints about food and drink, along with the scandalous criminal activities of future ministers. Amidst a backdrop of severe punishments, they reflect on Harvard's violent origins and its lasting impact on American academia.
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Eaton, A Brutal First Headmaster
- Harvard's first headmaster, Nathaniel Eaton, arrived with a slave referred to only as 'the Moore.'
- Eaton routinely lashed students with a switch and sparked complaints at the college.
Complaints Escalated To A Two-Hour Beating
- Students complained about Eaton's wife's cooking and lack of beer, accusing her of serving a pudding with goat feces.
- Eaton later beat an assistant for two hours with a yard-long cudgel, prompting a trial.
Trial, Confession, And Dismissal
- Eaton defended that a schoolmaster had absolute right to punish students, but the court convicted him.
- He confessed after elders prayed with him overnight and was publicly admonished and fired.
