Undeserved Obscurity
‘Unlikely Heroism of JL Chamberlain’/Ron White.
Dr. Gary Straub.
Thanksgiving—2022
Notice how “coincidences” keep happening in American history?
Ron White’s cradle-to-grave biography of Joshua Chamberlain caught my “coincidence radar.” The convergences of Chamberlain’s life reach well beyond mere coincidence. His story substantiates Gladwell’s “two degrees of separation.” His LIFE summary: a born/bred Mainer, early graduate—Bowdoin College; theology grad—Bangor Seminary; volunteered Union Army, as a General—led Gettysburg’s ‘Little Round Top’ victory (surviving grievous wounds.) Later, Appomattox Surrender was his watch, awarded Congressional Medal of Honor; won 4 elections as Maine Governor, experienced healing in his estranged marriage. He then served decades of distinction as Bowdoin College President. Never heard of him? I appreciate how White rescued and raised Chamberlain from UNdeserved obscurity!
One coincidence deserves mention: Bowdoin College appointed Prof Calvin Stowe, whose wife Harriet Beecher authored Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Joshua attended her Saturday Eve Reading Circle. Stowe’s national impact: 10,000 copies sold in 1st week; 300,000 in 1st year. Meanwhile America reeled from the Fugitive Slave Act—branding uncooperative citizens as co-conspirators. Tactics not unlike recent abortion laws in AL, or ICE antics. The sparks of Stowe’s Sat Eve Circle kindled Chamberlain’s zeal for faith, abolition and zealous activist patriotism. Was the Chamberlain/Stowe Saturday Circle mere coincidence? Read on!
Clearly the electric energy unleashed by Stowe’s gatherings inspired Chamberlain’s lifetime devotion. The only minutes of their meeting were Stowe’s fire-side scribbling in the margins of her galley proofs. By HIS quite animated articulation, Chamberlain strongly shaped HER line- by-line edits. Their combined written and public efforts show ironclad conviction and energetic convergence through an idea whose time had come. Just a “coincidental” ripple? There’s more… keep reading.
How did his accumulated accolades and myriad honors escape notice? Chamberlain appeared at the hinge of American history in true Forrest Gump fashion. The fierce conversation of a nation kindled the soul of this Reverend. White’s study of Chamberlain’s extraordinary influence reveals his hidden impact on popular public sentiment. Factor his spheres of influence— churches, taverns, schoolyards, village greens, town councils, legislatures and Governor’s office. Josh got quietly quoted quite often. Repeated coincidences reveal myriad convergences that lend powerful witness to Joshua’s Inner Light & Life. Thanks to White, we read between the lines of Chamberlain’s life; adding volumes to his already acknowledged achievements. UNdeserved Obscurity? For sure!
