Benjamin Bussey Thatcher (1809–40) was an American writer, lawyer, and historian known for his biographical and historical works on Native American figures. His writings contributed to early American literature and cultural documentation.
Born in Warren, Maine, Thatcher was the third son of Hon. Samuel Thatcher. He entered Bowdoin College at 13, graduating in 1826. Though trained as a lawyer, he shifted to literature, contributing to leading magazines and journals. He also wrote articles on Atlantic steam navigation and travel, later referenced in biographical anthologies and literary collections.
Thatcher’s notable works include Indian Biography (1832,) a two-volume account of Native American leaders; Indian Traits (1833,) exploring Native American customs; and Memoir of Phillis Wheatley (1834,) a biography of the African American poet. He also edited The Boston Book (1837,) a collection of metropolitan literature.
READ: Works by Benjamin Bussey Thatcher
That science is worse than useless which does not point to the great end of our being.—Therefore literary, scientific, and theological quacks have done immense mischief in human society.
—Benjamin Bussey Thatcher
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