Mather Byles
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- Not to be confused with his son Mather Byles (loyalist)
Mather Byles (b. 26 March 1706, Boston, Massachusetts – 5 July 1788), was a British North America clergyman,
He was descended, on his mother's side, from John Cotton and Richard Mather. He graduated at Harvard University in 1725, and in 1733 became pastor of the Hollis Street Church (Congregational), Boston. He held a high rank among the clergy of the province and was noted for his scholarly sermons and his ready wit.
At the outbreak of the War of Independence he was outspoken in his advocacy of the royal cause, and after the British evacuation of Boston his connection with his church was dissolved.
He remained in Boston, however, and subsequently (1777) was arrested, tried and sentenced to deportation. This sentence was later changed to imprisonment in his own house. He was soon released, but never resumed his pastorate.
He died in Boston on 5 July 1788, aged 82.
Besides many sermons he published A Poem on the Death of George I (1727) and Miscellaneous Poems (1744).
This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
