William Vesey

Vesey was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1674 , the son of William and Mary (Saunders) Vesey. The Vesey/Veazie family was established in Braintree about 1643. Vesey, at the age of 15, entered Harvard College, and was graduated from there in 1693, awarded with an A.B. degree at the age of 19. Shortly after graduation, not being of an age to receive orders, Vesey began his preaching and reading as a layman on Long Island at Sag Harbor (6 months), and at Hempstead (2 years). He continued his theological studies under Rev. Samuel Myles, Rector of King's Chapel in Boston. While at Boston, he was called by the Church Wardens and Vestry of New York to officiate as minister. He hadn't yet been ordained, and went to England, where his received a Master of Arts degree at the University of Oxford, July 12, 1696. He was ordained as Priest in August, and returned to New York the same year. of Judge Daniel Horsmanden of New York City. ==Ministry==

Vesey was installed rector of Trinity parish upon the completion of its edifice, March 13, 1698. A protege of Increase Mather, he visited England for the relief of his church, 1714–15, returning as commissary to the Venerable Society for the Propagation of the Gospel by appointment of Bishop Compton of London, and by his industry the Church of England was firmly planted in the United States, twenty-two churches having been established by Vesey during his forty-eight years of rectorship. ==Legacy==

His name is perpetuated in Vesey street and Rector Street, Manhattan, and his portrait was placed in Trinity chapel. He died in New York City, July 11, 1746. ==References==