John Milton Earle

John Milton Earle (April 13, 1794 – February 8, 1874) was an American businessman, abolitionist, and statesman and founded the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1829.

He was born in Leicester, Massachusetts to Pliny Earle. He was educated in common schools and at the Leicester Academy. He was the editor and publisher of the Massachusetts Spy from 1823 to 1857. The publication was called the Daily Spy after July 22, 1845. The offices were in the Butman Block on Main Street. He loved and enjoyed the sharp encounter of harmless wit. Although not a technical Garrisonian abolitionist, he was an early pioneer in Anti-Slavery movement first as a Whig, then as a Free Soiler. He tried to make Worcester County the stronghold of conscientious and determined political opposition to slavery. He served as Representative to the General Court in 1844-6 and 1850-2. He was elected to the State Senate in 1858. He was also a city alderman, postmaster, state commissioner on Indian affairs, and founder of the Horticultural Society. He died in Worcester, Massachusetts and was buried in the Rural Cemetery in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Reference

• Worcester Women's History Project biography