Jedidiah Morse, American Geographer

Jedidiah Morse, American Geographer

Jedidiah Morse (August 23, 1761 - June 9, 1826) was a notable geographer. He did his undergraduate work and earned a divinity degree at Yale University (MA 1786). He became a pastor in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1789, where he served until 1820. He strongly influenced the educational system of the United States. While teaching at a school for young women, he saw the need for a geography textbook oriented to the forming nation. The result was Geography Made Easy (1784). He followed that with American Geography (1789), which was widely cited and copied. New editions of his school textbooks and the more weighty works often came out annually, earning him the informal title, Father of American geography. Throughout his life he was much occupied with religious controversy, and in upholding the faith of the New England church against the assaults of Unitarianism. Ultimately his persevering opposition to liberal views of religion brought on him a persecution that affected deeply his naturally delicate health. He died in 1826 at the age of 64. He was the father of telegraphy pioneer Samuel Morse. This image has been color enhanced.

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