Noah Webster

Date of Birth: October 16, 1758

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 28, 1843

Biography

Noah Webster was an American lexicographer, grammarian, and language reformer, who is often referred to as the “Father of American Scholarship and Education.” Born on October 16, 1758, in West Hartford, Connecticut, he played a pivotal role in the development of American English. Webster’s most renowned work is “An American Dictionary of the English Language,” first published in 1828. This dictionary was revolutionary for its comprehensive coverage of American usage and spelling, which significantly differed from British English. Webster graduated from Yale College in 1778 and went on to study law. Although he practiced law briefly, his passion lay in education and language. He believed that America needed its own language distinct from British English to foster cultural independence. Beyond his dictionary, Webster wrote textbooks, including the famous “Blue-Backed Speller,” which taught generations of American children to read and write. Webster was also a strong advocate for many social causes, including the abolition of slavery. His work and legacy have had a lasting impact on American education and linguistics.

5 Interesting Facts about Noah Webster

1. Noah Webster’s dictionary introduced American spellings of words, such as “color” instead of “colour” and “center” instead of “centre.”

2. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was a fervent supporter of American independence.

3. Webster’s “Blue-Backed Speller” sold millions of copies and was used for over a century in American schools.

4. Webster was a founding member of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences.

5. He was a critic of British English and believed that language reform was essential for American cultural identity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Noah Webster

1. “Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary-makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity.”

2. “Education is useless without the Bible.”

3. “The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best corrector of all that is evil, in human society.”

4. “The principles of all genuine liberty, and of wise laws and administrations, are to be drawn from the Bible and sustained by its authority.”

5. “A national language is a band of national union.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Noah Webster’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but his publications and educational reforms brought him significant recognition and influence rather than substantial wealth.

Children

Noah Webster had eight children with his wife, Rebecca Greenleaf: 1. Emily Schotten Webster 2. Frances Julianna Webster 3. Harriet Webster 4. Mary Webster 5. Eliza Webster 6. Louisa Webster 7. William Greenleaf Webster 8. Henry Webster