Ingersoll Day in U.S. 2023: Date, History, Facts about Robert Ingersoll

Robert G. Ingersoll’s life is commemorated on August 11 as Ingersoll Day every year. Ingersoll advocated for unfettered thought and expression and was one of the most well-known freethinkers of his era. On the anniversary of his birthday, we intend to engage in some independent thought. Will you not join us?

The background of Ingersoll Day

Robert G. Ingersoll was born in Dresden, New York, to a preacher and abolitionist father; his mother passed away when he was small. Due to his father’s beliefs, the family was frequently compelled to relocate. In 1854, Ingersoll was appointed to the Illinois bar despite his lack of formal education. Later, he relocated to Peoria, Illinois, where he and his brother established a legal practise. According to all accounts, this endeavour was a success. He met and wed Eva Parker, with whom he had two daughters. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), he served as the commander of the 11th Illinois Cavalry.

In the late 1860s, Ingersoll himself entered politics; he served as Illinois’ attorney general, but only once. The ideologies of Democrats and Republicans were reversed at the time, so despite Robert’s early affiliation with the Democrats, he later became a Republican due to his opposition to enslavement.

When he gave the nomination speech for fellow Republican James G. Blaine, his influence as an orator was recognised. While another party member won the nomination, this speech garnered immense prominence.

After relocating to Washington, D.C., he launched another highly successful law practise. He also began working as a lecturer, delivering nearly two decades’ worth of lectures on freethought, reason, and liberty. The most renowned of his lectures were titled “Why I am an Agnostic,” “Some Mistakes of Moses,” and “Individuality.” For his stances on religion, slavery, and women’s right to vote, he would acquire a great deal of notoriety and criticism. He denounced religious speakers, but counted many as friends; he was openly friendly to individuals of opposing parties who shared his progressive views and was even friends with American journalist H.L. Mencken and women’s rights leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton. He was known as the “Great Atheist” and was one of the most influential freethinkers and lecturers of the nineteenth century.

World Lion Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Lion

Vlogging Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Update Your Bio Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Events

5 Interesting Robert Ingersoll Facts

Various websites identify him as the most renowned and successful orator of the 19th century.

At the height of his popularity, Ingersoll was paid up to $3,500 for a single lecture.

Strong beliefs held by Ingersoll prevented the Republican administration from appointing him to any seat or position he desired.

People would congregate on the sidewalk in front of his home to pray for him to convert, but he never did.

After witnessing Ingersoll’s lecture in Chicago in 1879, the renowned author Mark Twain wrote, “the human organ of speech was played by a master.”

INGERSOLL DAY DATES