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George Bancroft

(1800 – 1891)

George Bancroft was born at Worcester, Mass., Oct. 3, 1800. His father, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bancroft, was a minister of much ability, and a man of fine literary taste. Dr. Bancroft prepared an excellent Lift of Washington, which he published in 1807. Without doubt, the tastes of the father had something to do with the literary tendencies of his son. George Bancroft’s education was ample. He was early trained in an academy at Exeter; and at the age of thirteen he entered Harvard College. From this institution he graduated with distinction. Later he studied for two years in the University of Gottingen, Germany Upon completion of his studies in college, he entered the church, but his strong literary inclination prevailed; and he took up his pen. While in Europe he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He also formed the -acquaintance of Humboldt, and other noted men, and travelled over a great portion of Europe. His literary labours were greatly aided by the kindness of the British government in giving him access to the State Paper Office, and to collections in the museum, and various private collections. He also had access to the State Records of Paris, where he received valuable aids.

Upon returning to the United States, he took up his residence in New York, in 1849. From that time his life was given almost entirely to work on his History, the last volume of which was brought out in 1873. The period between 1849 and 1873 was interrupted by his appointment, in 1867, as minister to Prussia, in 1868, as minister to the German Confederation, and in 1871 as minister to the German Empire. The first volume of Bancroft’s History appeared in 1834, and the tenth and last in 1873, covering, as will be seen, a period of thirty-nine years. Upon completion, it became very popular in this and foreign countries.’ It has been translated into various languages.

Mr. Bancroft afterward took up his residence in Washington and revised his great work, which he completed in 1885, when the great historian laid down his pen for the last time. He could afford to cease from his labours for his life had been full of honours, and his pen had created a monument to his ability that will last through time. His labours brought him an ample fortune. His death occurred in Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 1891. He was a hearty lover of his country and of the founders of his independence, and his native land certainly one reciprocates by cherishing the memory of the noble historian of his trials, triumphs and glory.