Cossitt, Francois Rene, 1790-1863

Dates

• Existence: 1790 - 1863

Biography

Francois Rene Cossitt graduated from Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, class of 1813. Reared as an Episcopalian, he taught in the South until 1818 when he returned to New Haven, Connecticut and studied Theology there. Afterwards he returned to Montgomery County, Tennessee and became interested in The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, identified himself with its interests and was ordained in 1822. In 1825, the plan for Cumberland College was projected and established in Princeton, Kentucky and in 1826 he was elected its first President. Cumberland College was removed to Lebanon, Tennessee in 1842 and Dr. Cossitt was again called to preside over its interests.

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