T. De Witt (Thomas De Witt) Talmage

Born in New Jersey in 1832, T. De Witt Talmage studied at New Brunswick Theological Seminary and went on to serve in both the Reformed Church in America and the Presbyterian Church. He became especially well known after moving to Brooklyn in 1869, where his dramatic, crowd-drawing style made him one of the most prominent American preachers of his era.

Talmage preached at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, built to hold the large audiences his sermons attracted. He was also a prolific editor and writer, working on publications including Christian at Work, The Advance, Frank Leslie's Sunday Magazine, and The Christian Herald. Alongside his church work, he gave popular lecture tours in the United States and England.

Remembered for his vivid, accessible speaking style, Talmage brought religion into newspapers, magazines, and public lecture halls as well as the pulpit. He died in 1902, leaving behind a large body of sermons and devotional writing that kept his name familiar to readers for years afterward.