Dictionary.net

(1803-1882) an eminent American poet and philosopher, was born in Boston. He was ordained a preacher of the Gospel in 1829, but resigned his pastorate in 1832, because he could not sympathize with the formalities practiced in the church. He then began his career as an eminent lecturer, giving courses of lectures for the most part upon biographical and philosophical subjects. He contributed largely to periodicals and published numerous works in literature and philosophy. His influence upon the more thoughtful portion of the American public has never been surpassed. He resided in Concord, Mass., during all the latter part of his life.