Beecher, Lyman (1775-1863), was an American clergyman. He became noted for his fiery sermons on temperance, and for opposing Roman Catholicism. Beecher was born on Oct. 12, 1775, in New Haven, Connecticut. After his ordination in 1799, he became pastor of the Presbyterian church of East Hampton, Long Island, New York, and later of Congregational churches in Litchfield, Connecticut, and Boston.
Beecher was the first president of Lane Seminary (Presbyterian) in Cincinnati from 1832 to 1850. He died on Jan. 10, 1863.
Several of Beecher’s 13 children became well known. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote the famous novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Henry Ward Beecher was an eloquent Protestant preacher. Catharine Esther Beecher promoted education for women. Edward, Charles, and Thomas Beecher were all noted Congregational clergymen.
