Calvin Stowe

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Calvin Stowe (1802-1886) was as well-known in Andover as his internationally celebrated wife. Appointed in 1852 as Professor of Sacred Literature at the Andover Theological Seminary, Stowe had a long-standing interest in abolition in his own right and was a staunch Republican. It was said in Andover that he had vowed never to cut his beard until the slaves were freed, and also that “he would not vote for the Angel Gabriel if he was a Democrat.”

Stowe was an inspirational speaker and was often asked to speak at town events and meetings. On May 19, 1861 — three years to the day before most of the Andover soldiers would face their greatest test – Professor Stowe presented a sermon at South Church to the town and the men of the Andover Company entitled, “Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier.