*Title page of the first edition, in 1828, of* An American Dictionary of the English Language, *featuring an engraving of Noah Webster*
*— Photo by* *Cullen328*

“A pure democracy is generally a very bad government, It is often the most tyrannical government on earth; for a multitude is often rash, and will not hear reason.”

—- Noah Webster (1758-1843), lexicographer of dictionary fame, in The Original Blue Back Speller. He was born in Hartford, Conn., and died in New Haven.

"God grants liberty only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it"

— Daniel Webster (1782-1852), U.S. senator, secretary of state, formidable lawyer and would-be president. He was the most famous American orator of his time. He was born in a part of Salisbury, N.H., that’s now part of Franklin and died in Marshfield, Mass.

*New Hampshire historical marker* *at Daniel Webster’s birthplace, in* *Franklin, N.H.*
*— Photo by* *Craig Michaud*

“To the Friends of Literature in the United States,’’ Webster's prospectus for his first dictionary of the English language, 1807–1808 — *“To the Friends of Literature in the United States*,’’ *Webster's* *prospectus* *for his first dictionary of the English language, 1807–1808*

“The foundation of all free government and all social order must be laid in families and in the discipline of youth. Young persons must not only be furnished with knowledge, but they must be accustomed to subordination and subjected to the authority and influence of good principles. It will avail little that youths are made to understand truth and correct principles, unless they are accustomed to submit to be governed by them.”

― Noah Webster. (1758-1843) an American lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English-language spelling reformer, political writer, editor and prolific author. Webster's name has become synonymous with "dictionary" in the United States, especially the modern Merriam-Webster dictionary that was first published in 1828 as A Dictionary of the English Language. He was born in Hartford and died in New Haven. He’s an example of the New England enthusiasm for education that goes back to Puritan times.

A 1932 statue of Webster by Korczak Ziółkowski stands in front of the public library of West Hartford, Conn. — *A 1932 statue of Webster by* *Korczak Ziółkowski* *stands in front of the public library of* *West Hartford, Conn*.

Title page of Webster's Dictionary of the English Language, c. 1830–1840 — *Title page* *of Webster's* Dictionary of the English Language, *c. 1830–1840*

Two famous Websters on government

'Foundation of all free government'

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