Jacob Little

Jacob Little (May 1, 1795 – December 17, 1876) was an American Congregational minister known for his long tenure as pastor in Granville, Ohio. His career was marked by regular revivals, community-building efforts, and a steadfast dedication to his congregation.

Three of Rev. Jacob Little's sons became ministers.

Religious teaching Jacob Little was ordained as an Evangelist in Goffstown, New Hampshire, before moving to Hoosick, New York, where his preaching led to the conversion of approximately 80 individuals through his Bible classes. In 1826, shortly after marrying his first wife Lucy, he moved to Belpre, Ohio, in Washington County.

Later life In 1855, Marietta College recognized Jacob Little's contributions by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. His writings, including a series on the pastoral office, were well-received, and he lectured on pastoral theology at Lane Seminary in 1863. Little resigned from his career on December 4, 1864, and moved to Indiana, where he lived a quieter life. In his later years, he continued to preach intermittently, even serving as a supply pastor at the age of 74. Little died on December 17, 1876, in Wabash, Indiana, at the age of 81.

Legacy Little's influence extended to education, inspiring the formation of the Congregational Male Academy in 1833. This institution later became the Granville Academy, which was established in 1827 and included an all-girls section known as the Granville Female Academy. Jacob and his wife played significant roles in advancing female education, teaching young women and laying an early foundation for women's learning in the area. Among the school's students was Miss Mary Ann Howe, who later opened her own school for young ladies. Emma Little, Jacob's sister, also ran a school for young women in the area for a few years.

Little, along with Dr. W. W. Bancroft, informally assumed a trustee role at Granville Academy, overseeing the hiring of teachers and ensuring the school's continuity. Mrs. Jacob Little contributed by teaching vocal music at the academy, training singers for the choir.

Little further lent his assistance to a group of Baptists to found the Granville Literary and Theological Institution, which would eventually become Denison University. Several colleges sought out his membership on their boards of trustees: he served several times each at the Western Reserve College and Central College and for a quarter century at Marietta College.