Thomas Robbins (minister)

Thomas Robbins (August 11, 1773 – February 13, 1856) was an American Congregational minister, librarian, and diarist. He is primarily known for his extensive diary, covering much of his life from 1796 until shortly before his death, providing valuable insights into early 19th-century American religious and social life.

Robbins was born in Norfolk, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale College in 1796 and was ordained as a Congregational minister in 1798. He served several pastorates in Connecticut and Massachusetts, including Danbury and East Windsor. While considered a dedicated minister, he was perhaps more distinguished as a meticulous observer and recorder of his times.

Robbins possessed a strong interest in history and books. He amassed a considerable personal library and served as librarian for the Connecticut Historical Society for many years, helping to build its collections. His diaries, meticulously written and preserved, offer a detailed account of everyday life, religious practices, political discussions, and social customs of the era. They also reflect his travels throughout New England and beyond.

Robbins's diaries are a significant primary source for historians studying early American history, religious history, and social history. They are particularly valuable for understanding the religious landscape of New England during the Second Great Awakening and the rise of various social reform movements. They provide insights into the lives of ordinary people, the challenges and opportunities of the time, and the evolving cultural and intellectual environment of the United States.