Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Beecher, Henry Ward

BEECHER, HENRY WARD, an American clergyman, born in Litchfield, Conn., June 24, 1813. He was the son of Lyman Beecher; graduated from Amherst in 1834; studied in Lane Theological Seminary, near Cincinnati, O.; and began clerical duty as pastor of a church in Lawrenceburg, Ind., removing to Indianapolis in 1839. From 1847 until his death he was Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church in Brooklyn. He was one of the founders of the "Independent" and of the "Christian Union" (now the "Outlook"). He was also a prominent anti-slavery orator, as well as a famous lecturer. Among his numerous publications are "Star Papers; or Experiences of Art and Nature" (1855); "Freedom and War" (1863); "Eyes and Ears" (1864); and a novel, "Norwood, or Village Life in New England" (1867). His "Sermons" were edited by Dr. Lyman Abbott (2 vols., 1868). He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 8, 1887.