BEECHER, Charles [1815-1900] -- American clergyman, author

Son of Lyman and Roxana (Foote) Beecher. When he was a little more than eleven years old his father moved to Boston. There he had the advantage of the Latin school, afterwards studying at Lawrence academy, Groton, Mass., and from that institution went to Bowdoin college, graduating in 1834. His theological course followed in Lane seminary, Ohio, of which his father was president. For seven years he followed mercantile pursuits in New Orleans and Indianapolis, and in 1844 he was installed pastor of the Second Presbyterian church in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he remained nearly seven years, and which he left to take the pastorate of the First Congregational church in Newark, N.J., in 1851. He resigned his charge in Newark, and removed to Georgetown, Mass., in 1857, where he became pastor of the First Congregational church. From 1870 to 1877 he resided in Florida, acting as superintendent of state education for two years. In 1885 he was acting pastor in Wysox, Pa. Among Mr. Beecher's published works were: The Incarnation: or, Pictures of the Virgin and her Son (1849); David and his Throne (1855); Pen Pictures of the Bible (1855); Autobiography and Correspondence of Lyman Beecher (ed. 1863); Redeemer and Redeemed (1864); Spiritual Manifestations (1879); Eden Tableau (1880), and Patmos (1896). He also selected hymns and music for the Plymouth Collection. He was a thoroughly competent musician, and was employed as organist in churches, 1837-'43. He died at Georgetown, Mass., April 21, 1900.[p.248] BDNA