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Elihu Burritt Papers, 1840-1965 (inclusive) 1841-1878 (bulk)

Extent:

1 linear ft. (1 linear ft.)

Abstract:

Elihu Burritt was born on December 10, 1810, in New Britain, Connecticut, into a working class family. He attended school briefly, but was largely self-educated. Burritt became a blacksmith to support himself, but he continued to study languages at night. Word of his erudition spread; he became known as the "Learned Blacksmith", and was offered opportunities to speak in public. While writing a lecture on "The Anatomy of the Earth", he was so impressed by the interdependency of its parts that he ended with a plea for international peace. This became his lifelong passion. He became acquainted with other social reformers and began his career as a prophet for peace.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]