Erasmus D. McMaster facts for kids

Erasmus D. McMaster (born February 4, 1806 – died December 10, 1866) was an important American leader in the 1800s. He was a Presbyterian pastor, a smart teacher, and a theologian (someone who studies religion). He also served as the president of two colleges: Hanover College and Miami University. McMaster was known for speaking out against slavery, especially in Indiana, alongside another famous leader named Henry Ward Beecher.

Biography: A Life of Learning and Leadership

Erasmus D. McMaster dedicated his life to education and faith. He helped shape young minds and led important institutions during a time of great change in America.

Early Life and Education

Erasmus Darwin McMaster was born on February 4, 1806, in Mercer, Pennsylvania. His parents were Gilbert and Jane (Brown) McMaster. His father was a minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, who had moved to America from Ireland in 1791. Young Erasmus grew up in a home that valued faith and learning. He worked hard in his studies and graduated from Union College in 1827.

Career as a Pastor and President

After finishing college, McMaster became a licensed preacher in 1829. For about a year, he traveled and preached to churches that did not have a regular minister. In 1830, he officially joined the Presbyterian Church (USA). He was then ordained as a pastor in 1831 and began leading a church in Ballston, New York. He served this congregation until 1838.

In 1838, McMaster took on a new challenge: he became the third president of Hanover College. This college was located in Hanover, Indiana. For a short time in 1845, the college moved to Madison, Indiana, and was briefly called Madison University. However, it soon moved back to Hanover.

After his time at Hanover, McMaster became the third president of Miami University in Ohio. He led Miami University from 1845 until 1849. In 1850, he became a professor of theology at the Theological Seminary in New Albany, Indiana. He continued to teach and share his knowledge. In June 1866, he was appointed a professor of theology at the Theological Seminary of the Northwest (which is now McCormick Theological Seminary) in Chicago, Illinois.

Fighting for What's Right

During his life, Erasmus D. McMaster was a strong voice against slavery. He believed that slavery was wrong and spoke out against it. In Indiana, he was one of the most active Presbyterian leaders working to end slavery. His efforts helped to bring attention to this important issue.

His Final Days

Erasmus D. McMaster passed away on December 10, 1866, in Chicago, Illinois. He died from an illness called pneumonia.]