Rev. John Bristed (1778-1855)
Rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Bristol, Rhode Island
He was born at Dorset in England, the son and grandson of clergymen. He received a classical education at Winchester College and studied medicine at Edinburgh University. However, he chose a legal career, and after two years in the offices of the celebrated Mr. Chitty he came to New York in 1806 where he practiced law "with distinction". At the same time, he ran The Monthly Magazine as well as publishing a number of books on various subjects. In later life, he studied theology and was ordained to the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1828, serving as Rector of the Church of St. Michael at Bristol, R.I., until 1843. In 1819, he married Magdalen, daughter of John Jacob Astor and ex-wife of Governor Bentzon of the Danish West Indies. They had one son.
