Cartwright, Peter - Timeline Biography
Time Period
09-01-1785 - 09-25-1872
Description
Although his experience in Kentucky exposed him to gambling, he eventually converted to Methodism at a camp meeting in 1801. Joining the Methodist Episcopal Church, he received his exhorter’s license in 1802 and became an itinerant preacher in 1803, thus starting more than 60 years as a frontier minister. Later, Francis Asbury ordained him a deacon (1806) and William McKendree ordained him an elder (1801). For the first 20 years of his ministry he averaged preaching more than a sermon a day and helped start the Second Great Awakening. Witty and religiously devoted, he became well known along the frontier. His colorful Autobiography (1856) only furthered his reputation.
Cartwright also was involved in politics, opposing slavery and promoting Methodist colleges. He served as a member of the Illinois legislature twice, but lost his bid for Congress to Abraham Lincoln.
Cartwright also was involved in politics, opposing slavery and promoting Methodist colleges. He served as a member of the Illinois legislature twice, but lost his bid for Congress to Abraham Lincoln.
Interactive Timeline(s)
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Religious Groups
Methodist/Pietist Family: Other ARDA LinksMethodist/Pietist Family: Religious Family Tree
Events
The Second Great AwakeningPublication of Autobiography of Peter Cartwright
Movements
The Second Great AwakeningPhotographs
Peter Cartwright portrait- Internet Archive- from Pioneers of Menard and Mason Counties by T
Peter Cartwright portrait- Internet Archive- from Autobiography of Peter Cartwright, the Backwoods Preacher.jpg)
Peter Cartwright tombstone- Wikimedia Commons- photo by Robert Lawton (CC BY-SA 2Book/Journal Source(s)
Reid, Daniel, Robert Linder, Bruce Shelley, and Harry Stout, 1990.Dictionary of Christianity in America Downers Grove, IL.Web Source(s)
http://www.britannica.com/biography/Peter-CartwrightPeter Cartwright's Encyclopedia Britannica Biography
Web Page Contributor
Benjamin T. GurrentzAffliated with: Pennsylvania State University, Ph.D. in Sociology
