Quotes:Burritt, Elihu

Zirkoff, Boris

Burritt, Elihu. Called “the Learned Blacksmith.” American reformer, b. in New Britain, Conn., Dec. 8, 1811; d. Meh. 7, 1879. Son of a shoemaker; educated in the common school of his native town; at age 16 was apprenticed to a blacksmith. Had a great desire to read the Scriptures in their original language, which led him to philological studies in the intervals of labor; showed unusual diligence and remarkable faculties, learning rapidly. Removed to Worcester to take advantage of the Library of the Antiquarian Society. Still plying his trade, edited, 1844-51, the Christian Citizen, advocating abolishment of slavery, temperance and self-culture. Went to Europe, 1846-51, and established in England the League of Universal Brotherhood, publishing the Peace Advocate and Bond of Brotherhood. It was through his efforts that the Brussels Peace Congress was held in 1848. In 1852, he founded in Philadelphia the Citizen of the World, to promote the emancipation cause. Served, 1865-70, as United States Consul in Birmingham, England. Works: Sparks from the Anvil, 1848. — Ten Minutes Talks, 1873. — Chips from Many Blocks, 1878.

Consult: Curli, Merle E., The Learned Blacksmith: The Letters and Journals of Elihu Burritt, New York, 1937.

Source: Boris de Zirkoff, «H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings», vol. 11, p. 569