Isaac Watts
Isaac Watts (July 17, 1674 - November 25, 1748) was an English minister, theologian, and a prolific and popular hymnwriter. Recognized as the father of English hymnody, Watts is credited with some 750 hymns, many of which remain in use today.
He was born in Southampton, England, in 1674, and attended King Edward VI School where he learned Latin, Greek and Hebrew. His father was a Nonconformist who had been incarcerated twice for his controversial views. In line with his father’s views, Watts studied at the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington until 1694.
After working as a tutor for a number of years, he was appointed assistant to the minister of Mark Lane Independent Chapel in London in 1699. In 1702, he became full pastor, but due to a breakdown, he resigned in 1712.
Watts went to stay with Sir Thomas Abney and his wife Lady Mary, intending a short visit, but ended up staying with them for the rest of his life. He died in Stoke Newington in 1748 and was buried in Bunhill Fields, having left an extensive legacy of hymns, treatises, educational works and essays.
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