Charles Backus Storrs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Backus Storrs
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| 1st President of Western Reserve College and Preparatory School | |
| In office 1830–1833 |
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| Preceded by | New position |
| Succeeded by | George E. Pierce |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 23, 1794 Longmeadow, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 15, 1833 (aged 39) Braintree, Massachusetts |
| Resting place | Elm Street Cemetery, Braintree |
| Alma mater | College of New Jersey (Princeton) Andover Theological Seminary |
Charles Backus Storrs (born May 23, 1794 – died September 15, 1833) was an important American minister. He was also an early supporter of ending slavery. Storrs became the very first president of Western Reserve College and Preparatory School. Today, this school is known as Case Western Reserve University and Western Reserve Academy.
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Who Was Charles B. Storrs?
Charles Backus Storrs was born in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, on May 23, 1794. He came from a family of religious leaders. Both his grandfathers and his father were clergymen.
His Education and Early Career
Storrs first studied at the College of New Jersey from 1810 to 1813. This college is now known as Princeton University. He had to leave early because he wasn't feeling well.
Later, he went on to graduate from Andover Theological Seminary in 1820. Two years after finishing his studies, in 1822, Storrs moved to northeastern Ohio. This area was called the Western Reserve. He became a pastor at a church in Ravenna, Ohio.
Leading Western Reserve College
In 1828, Charles Storrs became a professor at the newly created Western Reserve College and Preparatory School. This school was located in Hudson, Ohio.
Just two years later, in 1830, he was chosen to be its first president. He led the college during an important time. Storrs served as president until 1833. He had to step down because his health became very poor.
A Voice Against Slavery
During his time as president, Storrs became well-known for his strong views against slavery. He was an abolitionist, meaning he believed slavery should be ended.
He was inspired by the writings of David Garrison, another abolitionist. Storrs worked with other professors at Western Reserve, including Elizur Wright and Beriah Green. Together, they spoke out against slavery.
Charles Storrs passed away on September 15, 1833. He died at his brother's home in Braintree, Massachusetts. The famous poet John Greenleaf Whittier wrote a poem in his memory, called s:To the Memory of Charles B. Storrs.
