Henry Ward Beecher

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Williamson, Francis P. Beecher and His Accusers: A Complete History of the Great Controversy, including the Life of Henry Ward Beecher. Philadelphia: Flint & Co., 1874.
KF223 .B4 W34 1874

Tracy, Benjamin F. The Case of Henry Ward Beecher: Opening Address by Benjamin F. Tracy, of Counsel for the Defendant. New York: George W. Smith & Company, 1875.
KF223 .B4 T7 1875

Raymond, Robert R. The Case of the Rev. E.B. Fairfield, D.D., LL.D.: being an examination of his "Review of the Case of Henry Ward Beecher” Together with His “Reply” and a Rejoinder. New York: 1874.
KF223 .B4 R3 1874

Henry Ward Beecher was a liberal U.S. congregational minister, social reformer, speaker, abolitionist, and brother of famed author Harriet Beecher Stowe. In a highly publicized scandal, Henry Ward Beecher was accused of having an affair with his friend's wife, Elizabeth Tilton. The affair became public knowledge after women’s rights leader Victoria Woodhull published a story about it in her paper. Beecher had once denounced her for supporting “free love,” which she now viewed as hypocritical because of his affair. Woodville was later arrested for this due to "sending obscene material through the mail." The Plymouth Church supported their pastor Beecher and, after investigating the matter, exonerated him. Theodore Tilton, Elizabeth's husband, then sued Beecher for adultery. The trial took place in 1875, and the jury was unable to reach a verdict. In 1876 the congregational church held a final hearing and exonerated Beecher.

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