The Biographical Dictionary of America/Banvard, Joseph

BANVARD, Joseph, author, was born in New York city, May 9, 1810, brother of John Banvard. He was educated primarily at the South Reading academy, was graduated from the Newton theological institution in 1833, and was ordained pastor of the Second Baptist church, Salem, Mass., where he preached for eleven years. He afterwards preached in Boston five years, West Cambridge two years. New York three years, Pawtucket, R. I., five years, Worcester, Mass., five years. In 1866 he was chosen president of the National theological institute, Washington, D. C. At the end of the year he became pastor of the Baptist church at Paterson, N. J., where he remained ten years, and at Neponset, Mass., in 1876. He is the author of "The Christian Melodist; a collection of Hymns" (1850); "Plymouth and the Pilgrims" (1851); "Romance of American History" (1852); "Novelties of the New World" (1852); "The American Statesman, or Illustrations of the Life and Character of Daniel Webster" (1853); "Priscilla; or, Trials for the Truth" (1854); "Wisdom, Wit and Whims of the Old Philosophers" (1854); "Tragic Scenes in the History of Maryland and the Old French War" (1856); "Old Grips and Little Tidd" (1871); "First Explorers of North America" (1874); "Southern Explorers and Colonists" (1874); "Soldiers and Patriots of the Revolution" (1876), and a juvenile library of eight volumes. He was chosen an honorary member of the Boston society of natural history and of the historical society of Wisconsin, vice-president of the Worcester county, Mass., natural history society, and president of the historical society of Passaic county, N. J. He received the degree of A. M. from Columbia college, and D. D. from Shurtleff college. He died at Neponset, Mass., Sept. 29, 1887.