William E. (William Eleazar) Barton

Born in Illinois in 1861, William Eleazar Barton grew up to become a Congregational clergyman, author, and lecturer. He studied at Berea College and Oberlin Theological Seminary, then served in ministry posts including work in Tennessee and later in Oak Park, Illinois.

Barton wrote widely, but he is especially remembered for his many books on Abraham Lincoln. His research and collecting made him an important Lincoln specialist of his era, and his papers later became part of major archival collections devoted to Lincoln studies.

He also published on theology, hymnody, and public questions, showing how naturally he moved between the pulpit and the study. That mix of pastoral voice and historical curiosity gives his writing a lively, personal quality even when he is dealing with big subjects.