Robert Cruttenden
Robert Cruttenden | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1690 |
| Died | 1763 |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, Methodist, hymn composer, East India Company director |
| Years active | Early 18th century–1763 |
| Known for | Hymn composition; director of the East India Company |
Robert Cruttenden (1690–1763) was a merchant based in London, known also as a Methodist, hymn composer, and a director within the East India Company.
Early life
Robert was the son of Joseph Cruttenden (circa 1658 – post-1731), who operated as a wholesale apothecary in London. Initially, Robert trained for the Dissenting ministry under the guidance of his uncle, Reverend Robert Bragge, but he abandoned this path due to his adherence to Arian theology. By 1717, he had established himself as a bookseller and broker located near Mercers' Chapel in Cheapside, London. His ventures included speculative investment in the South Sea Bubble, which led to considerable financial loss and bankruptcy in 1721, prompting his move to Finsbury. Throughout his life, Cruttenden maintained relationships with notable individuals such as Philip Doddridge from Northampton.
He produced poetry that was published after his death, translated Pindar's Ode to Prosperina in 1738, and authored The principles and preaching of the Methodists considered in 1753.
Conversion to Methodism
Cruttenden encountered Methodist leader George Whitefield in 1742 following his attendance at a sermon by John Cennick at Whitefield’s Tabernacle. Subsequently, he resumed active participation as a lay elder at the Calvinistic Lime Street Independent chapel near Leadenhall Market. His profound spiritual transformation during this period was recorded by Whitefield. Cruttenden composed approximately seven hymns that were released posthumously, embodying his religious beliefs.
Family
In 1716, Cruttenden married Sarah Cliff. The couple had three children: Edward Holden Cruttenden (1717–1771), who later served as a director of the East India Company; Joseph Cruttenden (1745–1780), an attorney and Clerk to the Royal College of Surgeons; and Sarah Elizabeth Cruttenden (1725–1811), who became the wife of surgeon Sir Percivall Pott. Among his descendants were grandchildren portrayed by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Robert Cruttenden passed away on 23 June 1763 and was interred at Bunhill Fields.