Brainerd, David

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David Brainerd (brā´nərd), 1718–47, missionary to the Native Americans, b. Haddam, Conn. Licensed to preach in 1742, he spent his brief years among the Native Americans, first in New York and later in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His diary was widely read and influenced many to enter the mission field. Parts of the diary were published during Brainerd's lifetime, and in 1749, Jonathan Edwards published the hitherto unprinted portion.