Increase Mather

Increase Mather (June 12, 1639 - August 23, 1723) was an American Puritan clergyman. He was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard College in 1656. He also studied at Trinity College Dublin, receiving an M.A in 1658. Upon his return, he became pastor of North Church, Boston, which he remained as for the rest of his life.

He was president of Harvard College from 1685 to 1701.

His son was Cotton Mather.

Both father and son were conservative Puritans who tried to uphold the old Puritan theocracy and were contemporary commentators on the Salem witch trials.