Clergyman and Moral Crusader

Leader.

Lyman Beecher was one of the best-known and most influential clergymen of his day. Like many of his contemporaries, Beecher believed that the United States was a chosen land, where the kingdom of God would be established once society was sufficiently reformed. He took it upon himself, therefore, to provide a voice of leadership both in the conversion of souls and in numerous moral crusades. A successful revivalist whose deep concern with national destiny spoke to the hopes and sensibilities of many Americans, Beecher was also a staunch anti-Catholic, who did his best to exclude one segment of the population from full acceptance as American citizens.

Education.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, on 12 October 1775, Beecher was raised on a farm by his aunt and uncle. He had little interest in agriculture, and he declined to become heir to his uncle's...