Henry Ward Beecher
American clergyman and reformer
Henry Ward Beecher Rank
About Henry Ward Beecher
Henry Ward Beecher was a liberal American Congregational clergyman who was born on June 24, 1813, in Litchfield, Connecticut, and died on March 8, 1887, in Brooklyn, New York. His oratorical prowess and social concern made him a very famous clergyman of his era.
Beecher became a Presbyterian preacher in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1837, after three years of postgraduate study at Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. His reputation as a successful preacher and speaker was enhanced by his pamphlet titled “Seven Lectures to Young Men” (1844), which provided passionate exhortations on the vices and perils of life on the frontier.
He received a call to Plymouth Church (Congregational) in Brooklyn, New York, in 1847, and by the early 1850s, he was drawing weekly crowds of around 2,500.
Social and Political Activism
He eventually became more strident in his opposition to slavery, and his 1863 lectures in England won over audiences who had previously been opposed to him and the Northern viewpoint. After the American Civil War, he became more active, supporting a moderate Reconstruction policy for the South, endorsing Grover Cleveland's presidential campaign in 1884, and advocating for women's suffrage, evolution, and scientific biblical critique.
Personal Life
In the 1870s, suspicions of immoral encounters surfaced, and Beecher was sued in 1874 by his old friend and literary protégé Theodore Tilton, who accused him of adultery with his wife. Beecher was exonerated by two religious tribunals, however the civil trial jury could not agree.
Books
Some of Beecher's most famous works include: “Evolution and Religion” (1885), “Life of Jesus the Christ” (1871–91), and “Yale Lectures on Preaching” (1872–74).
Henry Ward Beecher Rank
Henry Ward Beecher photo gallery
Viewers of Henry Ward Beecher, also viewed
F.A.Q. about Henry Ward Beecher
When is his birthday?
Henry Ward Beecher's birthday is on June 24, 1813.
In how many days is his birthday?
Henry's birthday is in 212 days
How old was Henry when he died?
He was 73 years old.
When did he die?
He died in March 8, 1887.
How old would he be today?
Henry Ward Beecher would be 211 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Henry from?
He was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, U.S..