Henry Ward Beecher

Bio

(1813-1887) Preacher, author, orator, editor. Henry Ward Beecher was born into the Presbyterian Beecher family of Connecticut; his sister was Harriet Beecher Stowe. After religious studies, he preached for eight years in Indianapolis, Indiana, and then in 1847 he took charge of the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York. He held this pastorate for 40 years, and became one of the most influential preachers of his time. He was one of the giants among anti-slavery orators, and his series of speeches in England in the fall of 1863 helped to turn the tide of English opinion in favor of the North. He edited the “Independent” (1861-1863), founded the “Christian Union” (editor, 1870-1881), and wrote many books. His house built in 1875 is still standing in Peekskill, New York.