Skip to main content

Bancroft, George, 1800-1891

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1800 - 1891

Biographical History

George Bancroft (1800- 1891) was a well-known historian and political leader in 19th Century America.

George Bancroft was born on October 3, 1800 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard College at thirteen. After graduation he traveled to Germany where he continued to study history and the humanities. He then published many works including the "History of the United States," and the "Discovery of the American Continent." He married Sara Dwight in 1827 and had two children. In 1837 he was left a widower. He then married Elizabeth Davis Bliss also widowed and had a daughter.

In his later life, Bancroft was very politically involved. As a Democrat he pushed for the annexation of Texas, and fought against slavery. During this period he also served as Secretary of War. George Bancroft died in 1891.

Citation:
His Heeren's Ancient Greece.

NUCMC data from LC Mss. Div. for Smith, B. Papers, 1702-1857 (George Bancroft)

WWWA, 1607-1896 (Bancroft, George, historian, sec. of navy, diplomat; b. Worcester, Mass., 10-3-1800; s. Aaron and Lucretia (Chandler) B.; grad. Harvard 1817; m. Sarah H. Dwight, 1827; a founder of Round Hill Sch., Northampton, Mass., 1823; U.S. sec. of navy, 1845-46; est. U.S. Naval Acad., Annapolis, Md., 1845; U.S. minister to Gt. Britain, 1846-49; to Prussia, 1867-71; to German Empire, 1871-74; d. Wash., D.C., 1-17-1891)

Wikipedia, via WWW, March 10, 2015 (George Bancroft (1800- 1891) was a prominent Navy officer and historian; b.October 3, 1800 in Worcester, Massachusetts; attended Harvard College at thirteen; After graduation traveled to Germany where continued to study history and the humanities; then published many works including the History of the United States; married Sara Dwight in 1827 and had two children. In 1837 was left a widower; then married Elizabeth Davis Bliss also widowed and had a daughter; In later life, was very politically involved; As a democrat, pushed for the annexsation of Texas, and fought against slavery; During this period also served as Secretary of war; d. in 1891)

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Note, an autograph, and a portrait, 1881

 Item — Box 3: [Barcode: 31197233283156], Folder: 31-32
Identifier: Vault MSS 2
Scope and Contents

Handwritten and signed note, dated 17 June 1881, and stating "Let justicia et veritas be a law to Edgar F. Gladwin, So writes Geo Bancroft, 17 June 1881, the anniversary of Bunder Hill." Also included is an autograph of Bancroft and an etching portrait of him.

Dates: 1881
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Vault MSS 2, Fred A. Rosenstock autograph collection

Filtered By

  • Subject: Autographs X

Staff Interface | Send Feedback or Report a Problem

More information about Special Collections including Hours, Services, Events, and Exhibits can be found at lib.byu.edu/special-collections.

The BYU Library aims to create descriptions of collections that are inclusive and support an “environment of belonging.” If you encounter language in finding aids, catalog records, or collection descriptions that you find offensive or believe to be harmful, we invite your feedback at librarydescription@byu.edu.