Elihu Burritt

ABOUT ELIHU BURRITT

American diplomat who advocated for the cessation of slavery and devoted himself to the pursuit of world peace.

He trained as a blacksmith before being appointed United States consul in Birmingham, England.

He founded an international organization called the Friends of Peace, which was a precursor to the League of Nations and the United Nations.

He was born in New Britain, Connecticut to William and Elizabeth Burritt.

He was appointed consul to Birmingham by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln .