Dictionary.net

(1684-1753), the celebrated philosopher, was dean of Derry in Ireland. In his advocacy of education in the Bermudas, he sailed thither, and reached Newport en route in 1729. His plans miscarried, but he remained in Newport until 1731, returning then to Great Britain, where he became bishop of Cloyne. His interest in American matters was evinced by his famous lines, "Westward the course of empire,"etc., and more practically by the gift to Yale of his farm near Newport, as well as by gifts of books to Yale and Harvard.