Preacher and schoolmaster.

Studied theology with brother Samuel Hopkins; ordained (1760) but had difficulty finding a permanent post. Settled in Salem, Massachusetts, as a schoolmaster (c. 1766) and preached intermittently to several nearby congregations. Delegate to Third Provincial Congress of Massachusetts and subsequently to the General Court (1775). Served on Governor’s Council (1776-78). Ordained pastor of break-away Third Church at Salem (1778). Appealed to Franklin to facilitate the exchange of his brother-in-law, a prisoner of war (1778).

Son of Timothy and Mary (Judd) Hopkins of Waterbury, Connecticut. Educated at Yale (B.A. 1758). Married Susannah Saunders, one of his students (1771); six children.