Benjamin Randall (1749-1808), born into a sea captain's family and a former orderly in the American Revolutionary War, was the main influence in organizing the Freewill Baptists in the northeastern United States. Benjaming Randall was converted in 1770 through the influence of George Whitefield. He first united with the Congregationalists, but later was baptized in 1776 and united with the Baptists. He became a layman preacher in the Particular or Calvinistic Baptists in 1777. He split with the Calvinist Baptists over their belief in predestination in 1779. Randall was ordained April 5, 1780, at New Durham, New Hampshire. From the time of his lay preaching until his death of tuberculosis on October 22, 1808, Randall was instrumental in planting many Freewill Baptist churches throughout New England.
