Henry L. Hammond (1815-1893) was born in Smyrna, New York; graduated from Oberlin College in 1838, and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1841. He came west to Michigan in 1842, organizing the First Congregational Church of Detroit, and was its pastor until 1850. He then served as pastor of the Congregational Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1850-1856, when he moved to Chicago to become editor of the Congregational Herald, a post he held until 1861. He preached in Princeton Illinois from 1861-1862. Hammond was an ardent abolitionist and was fearless in preaching against slavery. While preaching in Princeton he got up a petition which gained many signatures, sent to President Lincoln, urging him to use his war powers to free the slaves. His wife was the sister of Owen Lovejoy, Illinois abolitionist, congressman and friend of Abraham Lincoln. From 1862 to 1872 Hamond was General Agent and Treasurer of the Chicago Theological Seminary, which he helped establish as a thriving institution. He was the author of “New Stories from an Old Book”, which he refers to in one of the letters offered here.

      Sample Quotes:

(Nov. 28, 1863)

" …You will be glad to learn that Prof. Bartlett & I completely succeeded in our mission at the East - completing an endowment of $30,000 for his Professorship in our Sem'y...."

      (June 22, 1864):

     "… The labors of my kinsman, Rev. E.P. Hammond, the Evangelist, have been much blessed in Chicago for a month past.

      Did I tell you of a little book of mine that was about being published in Boston. It is out now. Title "New Stories from an Old Book'. Sabbath School size, 216 pages. The 'Old Book' is of course the Bible....Only a few copies have been sent out here as yet. I should like to have you see it..."

      (Feb. 11, 1865):

      "… Brother Sereno was buried last Wednesday at Detroit. He has been failing for months past, & for the last month confined to his bed. But he died very peacefully at last, sanctifying grace, having done a wonderful work in Him & for Him. All his family, not merely, but his physician & Pastor, & neighbors, testifying to the grace of God bestowed upon him, especially in his last days. Half of the original ten children of my father's family are now with our dear parents in heaven. The minister at the funeral spoke beautifully of the reforming family circle above. I feel that we all owe much to the prayers & godly example of our parents, & that if we all at length are found an unbroken family, then it will be owing to the abounding grace of God in answer to their faith...."

       (March 24, 1865)

       " …I promised, I believe, to remember you the first time I had a photograph taken. If I fulfil my promise, I must send you the enclosed, which is said to be a good likeness, however poor the picture. The fact is, I have for comfort & convenience, allowed my moustache & beard & hair to grow during the winter, & my son Chester, who is away at school, insisted on seeing me before I should shave for the spring. Hence the taking of this. And now as you hold me to my promise, I don't see but this must be inflicted on you....

       Bro. Charles, not being in very good health, has resigned his office as Superintendent of the C.B. & Q. Rail Road, & will take life easier hereafter I hope..."