Barrett, Elisha D

Barrett, Elisha D.

a Presbyterian minister, was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1789. After a preparatory training, he entered Williams College, and was graduated in 1813. After graduation, he removed to Virginia and opened a high-school, his patrons being mostly slave-holders. He also organized a Sundayschool, to which the blacks as well as whites were invited. As the instruction of the blacks was contrary to law, he was threatened with its penalties if he did not desist. Despite all threats, he continued, declaring that there was a higher law which had superior claims upon him. His school was not closed, and he conducted it with success. He was ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian churches of Plumb Creek and Glass Run, where he labored many years with great success. His late years were spent in Illinois and Missouri. In his eighty-eighth year he taught a private class in Latin and Greek. His last sermon was preached when he was ninety years of age. He closed his long and useful life in Sedalia, Mo., Nov. 6, 1880. See Presbyterian, Dec. 1, 1880. (W. P. S.)