The Governorship of Elihu Yale (1687-92) and of Nathaniel Higginson (1692-98)
History of Madras
Chapter – 8
- Governor Yale served in India for 15 years before becoming Governor for 5 years, continuing to live in Madras after his retirement.
- He amassed a large fortune and lived very liberally, later returning to England.
- In recognition of his birth near Boston, he donated a parcel of books and pictures to the Collegiate School of Connecticut, which raised £560.
- As a result of his donation, the College and later the University were named Yale University in his honor.
- Yale came to India in 1672, served under Master, and was well-liked by both Europeans and Indians. He had a strong character and maintained dignity, especially toward the Indian powers.
- He married the widow of Joseph Hynmers, a servant of the Company, and had several children, including a son, David, who died in Madras. His tomb is in the old cemetery.
- Yale’s marriage was the first to take place at the new Saint Mary’s Church in the Fort.
- Yale kept a free house and entertained royally, unlike his predecessor Gyfford, who lived in the Garden-House due to illness.
- The Directors complained of maintaining two establishments—one in the Fort House and the other in the Garden-House—but Yale returned to the Fort House and dined with Merchants, Writers, and Factors.