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New England and the Bavarian Illuminati

Chapter 23: VITA
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About This Book

The study examines late-eighteenth-century New England anxieties about a purported Bavarian secret society and traces how clergy, politicians, and the press responded to warnings that European conspirators sought to undermine civil and religious institutions. It reconstructs the weakening of orthodox Puritan structures, the spread of religious skepticism and partisan conflict that amplified fears, and the origins and literary transmission of the Illuminati legend from Europe to America. The narrative details a prominent minister’s public accusations, the documentary evidence and disputed proofs presented, the role of Freemasonry and partisan countercharges, and concludes by placing the controversy in the context of wider political and social tensions and its eventual decline.

VITA

The author was born near New London, Ohio, November 23, 1875. His early education was obtained in the public schools of New London and North Fairfield (O.), and in the preparatory department of Hiram College. Upon completing an undergraduate course in the latter institution in 1901, he received the degree of A.B. Ten years were thereupon devoted to the work of the Christian ministry, in pastorates at Cincinnati, Ohio, and Angola, Indiana. He was in residence at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary for the first half of the academic year 1907–8. In 1911 he returned to these institutions, and in 1912 received from the former the degree of A.M. He completed his residence requirements for the doctorate in 1913. He worked in the seminars of Professors Shotwell, Rockwell, and McGiffert, and in addition took courses under Professors Giddings, Dewey, Robinson, and Monroe. He was called to the position of Dean and Professor of New Testament and Church History in Hiram College in 1913, where his professional service continues.