Stephen Mattoon
American missionary to Siam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stephen Mattoon (May 5, 1816 – 1889) was an American Presbyterian missionary who worked in Siam from 1847 to 1864. His works include the translation of the New Testament into the Thai language.
Stephen Mattoon | |
|---|---|
Missionary to Siam (Thailand) | |
| Born | May 5, 1816 |
| Died | August 15, 1889 (aged 73) |
| Years active | 1847 – 1885 |
| Organization | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
| Known for |
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| Spouse(s) | Mary Lourie Mattoon, m. 1846 |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) | Mr. Gershom Mattoon & Mrs. Anna Nancy Sayre Mattoon[1] |
Career
Mattoon served as a translator for Townsend Harris in spring 1856. Harris stopped in Siam to update the treaty between the US and Siam. Harris then proceeded to Japan for his appointment as envoy. Mattoon was then appointed as the first consul from the United States in Siam.[2]
After returning to the U.S., Mattoon was appointed in 1870 as the first President of Johnson C. Smith University, which was known as the Biddle Memorial Institute in 1870 and then as Biddle University during his tenure as president, till 1884.[3] Mattoon's grandson Norman Thomas was the Socialist Party candidate for President six times.[4]
