Yale, Elihu, 1649-1721

In 1671 Elihu Yale was appointed a writer in the East India Company. He was sent to Madras, India in 1672, and became a member of the council and second in command to the governor. In 1687 Yale became president and governor of Fort Saint George. He returned to England in 1699, where he carried on trade in diamonds. In 1718 Yale made a gift to the Collegiate School at New Haven, Connecticut, which, in appreciation, changed its name to Yale College.

Official of the East India Company. Elihu Yale was sent to Fort Saint George, Madras, in 1672, where he served as a member of the council and as second in command to the governor. He became president and governor of Fort Saint George in 1687. After returning to England in 1699, Yale worked in the diamond trade and in 1704 was named high sheriff of Denbighshire, in Wrexham, Wales. In 1718 the Collegiate School at New Haven, Connecticut, changed its name to Yale College in acknowledgement of a large private contribution made by Elihu Yale.

Official of the East India Company. Elihu Yale was sent to Fort Saint George, Madras, in 1672, where he served as a member of the council and as second in command to the governor. He became president and governor of Fort Saint George in 1687. After returning to England in 1699, Yale worked in the diamond trade and in 1704 was named high sheriff of Denbighshire, in Wrexham, Wales. In 1718 the Collegiate School at Saybrook, Connecticut, changed its name to Yale College in acknowledgement of a large private contribution made by Elihu Yale.