Universalist, Unitarian,

& Unitarian Universalist Milestones

Thomas Whittemore (January 1, 1800, Boston, MA – March 21, 1861, Cambridge, MA), Minister, writer, legislator, and champion of education for all. In 1828 established “The Trumpet and Universalist Magazine” and two years later wrote “The Modern History of Universalism”. Whittemore was elected to the MA Legislature in 1831 and by 1842 published “Songs of Zion” and “The Gospel Harmonist”. He also gave temperance lectures, reorganized the bank in Cambridge, and became president of the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad in 1849.

Quillen Hamilton Shinn (January 1, 1845, Pine Bluff, WV – Sept. 6, 1907, Cambridge, MA). Minister, church builder, and missionary. Dr. Shinn traveled mostly on horseback throughout the country, averaging over 30,000 miles a year. From 1877 to 1881, he served as minister at the universalist church in Foxborough on Bird Street. He established “Summer Meetings” which were held at the Weirs, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH from 1882 to 1897, then for two years at Saratoga Springs, NY, and then at Ocean Park, Maine. In 1900 the meetings started being held at a grove and hotel that Dr. Shinn purchased for over $5,000 from the Boston and Maine Railroad. A permanent home for his popular Meetings had been found and Ferry Beach was founded. After his death, the hotel was renamed “The Quillen”.

Millard Fillmore (January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874). Thirteenth President of the United States. 1850-53. Born in Cayuga County, N.Y., Whig and Whig & American Party politician elected to numerous state and national offices, Vice President 1849-50.

Horatio Alger, Jr. (January 13, 1832 – July 18, 1899). Author of rags-to-riches tales for children. Born in Revere, MA, and was a Unitarian minister in Chicopee and Brewster, MA.

Daniel Webster (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852). Statesman, lawyer, and orator. Born in Franklin, NH, attended Dartmouth College, appointed Secretary of State by two presidents, and elected to public offices in NH and MA.