Career

Though Maffit"s showmanship brought suspicion from religious leaders and others, he gained national recognition after he was reported to have converted President-elect William Henry Harrison in the winter of 1840-1841. In 1841 he served as chaplain in the House of Representatives. Maffitt"s preaching career suffered following a divorce and accusations of sexual impropriety.

Maffitt"s son, John Newland Maffitt, the "Prince of Privateers," was a famous officer in the Confederate Navy during the American Civil War.

Achievements

• He won fame as a charismatic orator with an unconventionally dramatic preaching style which attracted large crowds in cities up and down the Eastern seaboard and as far west as New Orleans.