Temperance lecturer; born in
Sandgate, Kent, England, Aug. 22, 1817; was educated principally by his mother, and when twelve years old came to the
United States.
In 1831 he was employed in a publishing house in New York City, and there learned the bookbinding trade.
In 1833 he lost his place and soon drifted into the worst habits of dissipation.
For several years he spent his time in drinking resorts, making his meagre living by singing and by his wonderful powers of comic delineation.
In 1842 he went to work in
Worcester, Mass., where he was soon looked upon as a hopeless drunkard.
In October of that year a little kindness extended to him by a Quaker led him to a temperance meeting, where he signed a pledge which he faithfully kept for several months, when some old companions
led him astray.
He soon, however, conquered his appetite, and a desire to give his life to the cause of temperance became irresistible.
He left
Worcester, and with a
carpet-bag in hand travelled on foot through the
New England States, lecturing wherever he could gain auditors.
His intense earnestness and powers of expression and imitation enabled him to sway audiences in a manner attained by few speakers.
For more than seventeen years he lectured on temperance, speaking to more than 5,000 audiences.
In 1854 he went to
England, intending to remain but a short time.
His success, however, was so great that he stayed for two years. In 1857 he again went to
England and lectured for three years. In 1859 he began to speak before lyceums on literary and social topics, though his chief subject was always temperance.
He published a number of works, including
Autobiography;
Orations;
Temperance addresses;
Temperance lectures; and
Sunlight and shadow, or Gleanings from my Lifework.
He died in
Frankford, Pa., Feb. 18, 1886.
