Burritt

Burritt, ELIHU, a distinguished advocate of the doctrines of the Peace Society, and widely known as 'the learned blacksmith,' was born at New Britain in Connecticut, United States, December 8, 1810. He was brought up to the trade of a blacksmith, which he pursued in his native place and at Worcester, Massachusetts, whither he removed; but devoted all his leisure to study, especially to mathematics and languages. In the latter field of study his range was very wide, embracing more or less Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and other oriental tongues, and almost all modern European languages. He was, however, much better known to the world as an earnest apostle of peace than as a scholar. At Worcester he edited the Christian Citizen, advocating the peaceful settlement of international difficulties and the doctrine of 'universal brotherhood,' for which purpose he also travelled through Europe and the United States. His chief works are Sparks from the Anvil (1848), Olive Leaves (1853), Peace Papers (1869), Lectures and Speeches, and A Walk from John o' Groat's to Land's End (1865). He took a prominent part in several Peace Congresses, and in advocating an ocean penny-postage. For many years he resided in England, from 1865 to 1870 as United States consul at Birmingham. He died at New Britain, 6th March 1879. See the memorial volume containing his Life, by Charles Northend (1879).