Abstract John Cleaveland (1722-1799) was an early leader in the "separatist" Christian movement. His career can be traced to a conflict with the administration of Yale College, at which he was a student. Refusing to repent for attending a separatist congregation, he was expelled from the college in 1745. Subsequently he served as a separatist minister in Boston and at the Chebacco Church in Ipswich. He also served as a military chaplain in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution....