Increase Mather (1639-1723) was a significant New England Puritan clergyman and the sixth president of Harvard College. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Richard and Kathrine Mather, he was part of a family deeply involved in the Puritan migration from England. Mather received his education at Harvard and Trinity College, Dublin, after which he served as a chaplain in the Channel Islands before returning to Massachusetts.

He became the minister of Boston's North Church and played a crucial role in colonial administration. His presidency at Harvard, though marked by his frequent absence, saw significant academic reforms. Mather was also deeply involved in political matters, traveling to England to petition for a new charter for Massachusetts, which ultimately led to a more autonomous colonial government. His involvement in the Salem witch trials is notable, initially publishing "Remarkable Providences" which affirmed belief in witchcraft, but later advocating against the use of spectral evidence in the trials, though his stance was somewhat complicated by a postscript supporting his son Cotton's defense of the court.

Increase Mather was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on June 21, 1639, to Richard and Kathrine Mather, who had emigrated from England due to their nonconformity to the Church of England. His given name reflected the perceived divine favor upon the region at his birth. Mather attended Harvard College, graduating in 1656, and continued his studies at Trinity College, Dublin, earning a Master of Arts degree in 1658. During his time in Ireland, he was licensed as a minister by Oliver Cromwell.

Upon returning to Massachusetts in 1661, Mather became the minister of the North Church in Boston, a position he held until his death. He also served as the sixth president of Harvard College from 1685 to 1701. During his tenure, he implemented academic changes, including the reintroduction of Greek and Hebrew studies and the replacement of classical pagan authors with Christian texts in ethics courses. He was awarded Harvard's first honorary doctorate in divinity in 1692.

Mather was a key figure in colonial politics, particularly during the period when Massachusetts' charter was revoked. He traveled to England to petition King James II and later William III, advocating for the restoration of colonial rights. His efforts contributed to the granting of a new charter in 1692, which established a more representative government for the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Plymouth Colony, uniting them and granting significant home rule.

Mather's views on witchcraft were complex. His 1684 book, "Remarkable Providences," affirmed a belief in the reality of witchcraft, citing theological authorities and witch-hunting manuals. However, when the Salem witch trials began in 1692, Mather, upon his return from England, publicly urged caution and opposed the use of spectral evidence. He authored "Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits" to address these concerns, famously concluding that "It were better that ten suspected Witches should escape, than one innocent Person should be Condemned." Despite this, he later added a postscript to his work, supporting the judges and endorsing confessions obtained from the accused, a move that drew criticism.