Elihu Yale,slave trader in India and benefactor of Yale univ. USA and his memorial in England

Navrang India June 06, 2024

/Yale, namesake benefactor of Yale univ. /images.fineartamerica.com

Elihu Yale, a British merchant and Governor of Fort St. George in Madras (now Chennai city, Tamil Nadu state) , colonial India, in the employ of the East India Company amassed his wealth through illicit trading and extensive involvement in the slave trade. Yale's legacy is controversial due to his inhumane practices, including enslaving and exporting hundreds of individuals during a famine in Madras.

Yale Memorial at Ft. St. George, Chennai,India en.wikipedia.org

Above image: 250th year commemoration of founding Yale college, USA .Memorial at St. Mary's church, Ft. St. George, Chennai, TN, India..................

St. Mary's church Ft.st. George, Chennai India en.wikipedia.org

Above image: Yale married  one Catherine Hynmers, a widow, in 1680. Their wedding took place at St. Mary's Church, in Fort St. George, Chennai  where Yale was a vestryman and treasurer. The marriage happened to be the first registered at the  English church.............

tatue of Elihu Yale, Yale univ. old  campus Pinrest.com 

Despite these actions, Yale University bears his name due to his donation of goods that funded a new building for Connecticut College, which was subsequently renamed Yale College. The university faced scrutiny in 2016 when demands to rename Calhoun College highlighted its association with Elihu Yale. Yale's involvement in the slave trade and personal misconduct have prompted ongoing debates about his legacy and the ethical implications of the university’s name. This reflection is crucial for Yale University as it seeks to reconcile its history with its commitment to humanistic values.

He is best remembered as the primary benefactor of Yale College, New Haven CT, USA  which was named in his honor. Efforts to rename the famous university have failed as of today. 

Yale's memorial, Wales, England mages.findagrave.com
BIRTH 5 Apr 1649
Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA
DEATH  8 Jul 1721 (aged 72)
London, City of London, Greater London, England
BURIALSaint Giles Church
Wrexham, Wrexham, Wales
MEMORIAL ID7479334 · View Source

Inscription

Born in America, in Europe bred
In Africa travell'd and in Asia wed
Where long he liv'd and thriv'd; In London dead
Much good, some ill, he did; so hope all's even
And that his soul thro' mercy's gone to Heaven
You that survive and read this tale, take care
For this most certain exit to prepare
Where blest in peace, the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom in the silent dust.
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