Edward Beecher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Beecher D.D.
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 27, 1803 |
| Died | July 28, 1895 (aged 91) |
| Occupation | Theologian |
| Spouse(s) | Isabella Jones |
| Children | Eleven |
| Parent(s) | Lyman Beecher |
Edward Beecher (born August 27, 1803 – died July 28, 1895) was an American theologian. A theologian is someone who studies religion and God. He came from a very famous family. His father was Lyman Beecher, a well-known preacher. His sister was Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote the famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin. His brother was Henry Ward Beecher, another important preacher.
Edward Beecher's Life Story
Edward Beecher was born in East Hampton, New York. This was on August 27, 1803. He went to Yale College and finished his studies in 1822. After Yale, he decided to study theology. He went to Andover Theological School to learn more about religion.
In 1826, Edward became a pastor at Park Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts. A pastor is a leader in a Christian church. He married Isabella (Porter) Jones in 1829. They had eleven children together!
In 1830, Edward Beecher became the very first president of Illinois College. This college is in Jacksonville, Illinois. He was president there for 14 years. During this time, he became good friends with Elijah Parish Lovejoy. Lovejoy was an important person who spoke out against slavery. Edward helped start the first group against slavery in Illinois.
His wife, Isabella, played a big part in history too. She wrote letters to Edward's sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe. Isabella's letters helped inspire Harriet to write Uncle Tom's Cabin. This book was very important in the fight against slavery.
Edward Beecher moved back to Boston in 1844. He worked as a pastor at Salem Street Church. In 1855, he returned to Illinois. He became the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Galesburg. Later, in 1871, he moved to Brooklyn, New York. He was a pastor there from 1885 to 1889. Edward Beecher passed away in Brooklyn on July 28, 1895.
He also worked as an editor for Christian newspapers. He was a senior editor for The Congregationalist from 1849 to 1855. He also helped edit the Christian Union starting in 1870.
Edward Beecher's Writings
Edward Beecher wrote many books and articles. These books often talked about religion and important social issues.
- History of the Alton Riots (1837): This book was about serious events in Alton, Illinois. It discussed the riots connected to Elijah P. Lovejoy, who was killed for speaking against slavery.
- The Conflict of Ages (1853): This book explored big questions about God and people.
- Death Not Life (1859): This book discussed ideas about what happens after death.
See also
Beecher family
