In 1884-1890 he was an overseer of Harvard College.
"God be thanked," thought the overseer, "the storm has blown over!"
Being much excited by the first events of the Revolution, he gave up his desk to enter a printer's office, and by 1791 he was overseer of the printing department of the Moniteur.
Bancroft was "the chief overseer" of the authorized version of the Bible.
He was for many years an overseer and preacher of Harvard University, his influence upon the religious life of the university being deep and wide.