Owensboro native Obbie Tyler Todd recently published “The Beechers: America’s Most Influential Family.” It’s the first biography about them in more than 40 years and the first chronological account of the Beechers, one of the most influential families in 19th-century America. The book also details Owensboro’s connections through the Josiah Henson Trail that runs along U.S. 60 East.
“Josiah Henson was a runaway slave whose life helped inspire the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe,” Todd said.
After doing extensive research through both the historical and religious history lens, Todd concluded the Beecher family was much too famous not to have a biography dedicated to the chronological retelling of their contribution to America during the second Industrial Revolution.
Throughout the biography, published in late 2024, Todd provides accounts for The Rev. Lyman Beecher and his 11 living children, who include a celebrity novelist, a college president, a well-known preacher, a pioneer in women’s education, the founder of home economics, a radical abolitionist, and a suffragist.
The Beecher family had the opportunity to rub shoulders with many well-known people throughout their lifetime, including Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Abraham Lincoln. The biography covers American history and church history at the same time.
LSU Press, who published the book, is one of the most well-known university presses in the South, primarily publishing in the field of southern history.
“I was really honored that they were willing to take on the book and publish it,” Todd said. I had no prior experience with them other than knowing they publish quality books. They were fantastic to work with; when I held the book in my hands, I was like, ‘wow.’ It led to a lot of great endorsements. Christianity Today is reviewing it next month.”
Since the book came out, Todd has been featured on several podcasts and had the book reviewed by multiple historical websites. In addition to the opportunity to share this story through written work, Todd has shared his passion for 19th-century history with his students.
“I teach church history at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I was drawn to this family, whose sons all became ministers. Lymon Beecher was a famous revivalist, and he promised his wife Roxanna on her deathbed that all her sons would become ministers — and they did,” Todd said.
Todd, whose parents still live in Owensboro, said his dad has always been intrigued by history, so he gets it honest.
“The Beecher family has a great personality. They are really funny, educated, and intelligent. They wear themselves on their sleeves and have achieved so much. Being from western Kentucky, there is a lot of pride to write about them because I know this region helped shape the identity of the country,” Todd said.
Looking ahead, Todd already has another book in the works.
“I am currently writing another book with Oxford University Press — it’s a religious biography of John D. Rockefeller, the world’s first billionaire. He founded philanthropy in the name of religious duty when he gave away millions upon millions through the Baptist church. The book will explore business ethics and personal faith,” Todd said.
“The Beechers: America’s Most Influential Family” can be found on Amazon.
