Lewis Henry Morgan

Anthropologist, Social Theorist, Lawyer

American Near Aurora, New York, U.S.

Quick Info

ProfessionAnthropologist, Social Theorist, Lawyer
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth21/11/1818
Age63 years (died on 17, Dec, 1881)
BirthplaceNear Aurora, New York, U.S.
Date of Death17/12/1881

Do you like Lewis Henry Morgan?

You can vote only once.

Bio/Wiki

DescriptionAmerican anthropologist known for kinship studies, social evolution theory, and ethnography of the Iroquois. Proposed matrilineal clan as earliest domestic institution. Authored 'Ancient Society' (1877) outlining progress from savagery through barbarism to civilization.

Personal Life

ResidedRochester, New York

Career

Key Works
  • Systems of Consanguinity and Affinity of the Human Family (1870)
  • Ancient Society (1877)
  • League of the Ho-dé-no-sau-nee, or Iroquois (1851)
RolesRailroad lawyer, Advocate for Native Americans (Seneca), Republican state legislator
ContributionsFounder of scientific anthropology, kinship systems study, cultural evolution theory. Principal founder of scientific anthropology. Elected to National Academy of Sciences (1875). President of American Association for the Advancement of Science (1879).

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Studied beavers
2. Influenced by English evolutionists
3. Cited by Darwin, Marx, Freud
4. Involved in spiritualism and evangelical revivalism contexts
5. Practiced law in Rochester, New York from 1844 to 1864
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top