On 23 Nov 1727 when Mary was 14, she married Rev. Thomas Clap (31397) , son of Dea. Stephen Clap (25444) (4 Mar 1670-11 Dec 1756) & Temperance Gorham (14131) (2 Aug 1678-3 Dec 1768), in Windham, CT. Born on 20 Jun 1703 in Scituate, MA.52 At the age of 1, Thomas was baptized in the Second Church of Scituate, on 6 Aug 1704.52 Thomas died in New Haven, CT, on 7 Jan 1767; he was 63.56 Buried in City Burial Ground, New Haven. Education: Harvard 1722 B.A.

“Of the children of the venerable Dea. Stephen, Thomas born 1703, and graduated at Harvard College 1722, was one of the most distinguished men of his time. He was ordained at Windham, Connecticut, 1726: chosen President of Yale College 1740, and continued in the chair until 1764, when he resigned, and on a visit at Scituate 1765, he deceased. President Stiles, his successor, speaks of him as standing in the first ranks of the learned men of the age. ‘He studied ()says he) the higher branches of mathehematicks, and was one of the first philosophers America had produced, and equalled by no man, except the most learned Professor Winthrop.’”53

Thomas “was fitted for College partly under Rev. James McSparran, Missionary to Narragansett from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foriehn Parts, and partly under the Rev. Nathiel Eells, of Scituate. Entered Harvard aged 15, and was graduated in 1722. Was settled in Windham, Conn., as successor to Rev. Samuel Whiting, Aug. 3, 1726.

“Mr. Clapp was an impressive and powerful preacher, and a man of exemplary piety and singular industry, as well as learned in the various branches of secular knowledge, particularly mathematics, astronomy, natural and moral philosophy, civil and canon law and history. He constructed the first orrery, or planetarium, made in America. In 1739, he was chosed President of Yale College, as successor to Rev. Elisha Williams. His people in Windham, however were so unwilling to part with him that the matter was referred to and eccleasiastical council, who advised his acceptance of the invitation, and he was inducted into that office April 2, 1740.”310