A Study of the Journal of Elisha P. Hurlbut, American Social Reformer, 1858-1887

• Main Author: Dunnington, Jeffrey
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2014
• Subjects: Hurlbut; Human Rights; Phrenology; Elizabeth Cady Stanton; nineteenth century; Albany; New York; journal; religion; social commentary; Arts and Humanities; History
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3325; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4324&context=etd

The life of Elisha P. Hurlbut (1807-1889) has been mostly forgotten since his death. This examination of his personal journal, which he wrote from 1858 to 1887, brings back to the forefront an influential figure that lived most of his life in and around Albany, New York. Prior to beginning the journal, Hurlbut was a lawyer and then a Supreme Court justice in New York. Seven years after retiring from public life in 1851, he commenced work on the journal that provided a detailed social and political commentary on New York, the United States, and the world as a whole. While the journal offers detailed insight into many specific subjects, this thesis focuses on Hurlbut’s views and expertise in civil rights, religion, and phrenology. This body of work will demonstrate how he shaped arguments for equality for all people, despised the influence of organized religion, and was a leader in phrenological studies.