Sold – President Grover Cleveland Eulogizes Henry Ward Beecher, in a Letter to Beecher’s Son

Henry Ward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, was the most noted minister of the 19th century. He developed a national reputation for his oratorical skills, and drew crowds of 2,500 regularly every Sunday. As a man of God who spoke the language of the average citizen of both western towns and eastern cities, who was friendly, rich in humor and hope, and a natural actor, Beecher was ideal for the lecture circuit. He strongly opposed slavery and favored temperance and woman's suffrage. He condemned the passing of the Kansas-Nebraska bill from his pulpit, and helped to raise funds to supply weapons to those willing to oppose slavery in these territories. These rifles became known as Beecher's Bibles, and John Brown and five of his sons were amongst those receiving them. Beecher became a supporter of the Republican Party in 1860, and during the Civil War his church raised and equipped a volunteer regiment. After the war, he advocated reconciliation. Beecher had a friendship with Grover Cleveland and supported him in the 1884 presidential campaign. He died on March 8, 1887, and President Cleveland wrote his widow a letter of consolation that contained praise the Beecher family could use in creating a Beecher Memorial.

His kindness and friendliness were for a number of years prior to his death, unfailing services of support [were a] comfort in times of trial and perplexity, and in every phase of my public life, and now that he is dead, the remembrance of these things keeps alive the tenderness and most affectionate sentiments.

In the wake of Beecher’s death, his son William wrote a biography, entitled simply “A Biography of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher,” and he sent a copy to the President. Autograph Letter Signed as President, on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, April 28, 1888, to William C. Beecher, speaking of the friendship that existed between him and his father. “I am late in my acknowledgement of your kindness in sending me a copy of the life of your illustrious father. His kindness and friendliness were for a number of years prior to his death, unfailing services of support [were a] comfort in times of trial and perplexity, and in every phase of my public life, and now that he is dead, the remembrance of these things keeps alive the tenderness and most affectionate sentiments. Please accept my sincere thanks for the memoir of your father and my friend, and be assured that the book will always be numbered among the treasures which I prize the most.”