HENRY WARD BEECHER (American 1813-1887). Prominent 19th-century American Clergyman, and renowned Orator who famously supported the Abolition of Slavery; supported social reform causes such as Women's Suffrage; once considered the Most Famous Man in America.
This nice quality American Artist (unsigned/unknown) Portrait depicting a mid-age Henry Ward Beecher likely circa 1850 to 1860. Beecher, the prominent American abolitionist and clergyman was considered by many to be the Most Famous Man in America during this period. The oil on canvas painting shows Beecher in contemplation with an open book on a table which he was apparently reading nicely dressed in his fine white shirt and wearing his black coat. The facial details are well executed with lovely color, and would be further enhanced if brightened with a light cleaning. The oil on canvas is laid on board measuring about 10.75" x 7.75" (by sight) housed in a vintage (likely period) decorative gold wood framed to fully 14.5” x 11.75”. This original period artwork in tribute to Beecher is in nice condition and a worthy addition to any social reform, Women's Suffrage or Abolition of Slavery collection.

In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln sent Beecher on a speaking tour of Europe to build support for the Union cause. Beecher's speeches helped turn European popular sentiment against the rebel Confederate States of America and prevent its recognition by foreign powers. At the close of the war in April 1865, Beecher was invited to speak at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, where the first shots of the war had been fired. President Lincoln had again personally selected him, stating, "We had better send Beecher down to deliver the address on the occasion of raising the flag because if it had not been for Beecher there would have been no flag to raise."


Henry Ward Beecher (June 24, 1813 - March 8, 1887) was an American Congregationalist clergyman, social reformer, and speaker, known for his support of the abolition of slavery, his emphasis on God's love, and his 1875 adultery trial. His rhetorical focus on the love of Christ has influenced mainstream Christianity through the 21st century.

In 1847, Beecher became the first pastor of the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York. He soon acquired fame on the lecture circuit for his novel oratorical style in which he employed humor, dialect, and slang. Over the course of his ministry, he developed a theology emphasizing God's love above all else. He also grew interested in social reform, particularly the abolitionist movement. In the years leading up to the Civil War, he raised money to Purchase Slaves from Captivity and to send Rifles, nicknamed "Beecher's Bibles", to Abolitionists fighting in Kansas. He toured Europe during the Civil War, speaking in support of the Union.

After the war, Beecher supported social reform causes such as women's suffrage and temperance. He also championed Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, stating that it was not incompatible with Christian beliefs.

He was widely rumored to be an adulterer, and in 1872 the Woodhull & Claflin's Weekly published a story about his affair with Elizabeth Richards Tilton, the wife of his friend and former co-worker Theodore Tilton. In 1874, Tilton filed charges for "criminal conversation" against Beecher. The trial resulted in a hung jury and was one of the most widely reported trials of the century.

After the death of his father in 1863, Beecher was unquestionably "the most famous Preacher in the nation". Beecher's long career in the public spotlight led biographer Debby Applegate to call her biography of him “The Most Famous Man in America”.