Biography

John Milton Earle was born in Leicester, MA and educated in common schools and Leicester Academy. He was the editor and publisher of the Massachusetts Spy from 1823-1857 (called the Daily Spy after July 22, 1845). The offices were in the Butman Block on Main Street. Although not a technical Garrisonian abolitionist, he was an early pioneer in Anti-Slavery movement first as a Whig, then as a Free Soiler. He tried to make Worcester County the stronghold of conscientious and determined political opposition to slavery. He served as Representative to the General Court in 1844-46 and 1850-52. He was elected to the State Senate in 1858. He was also a city alderman, postmaster, state commissioner on Indian affairs, and founder of the Horticultural Society.
He married Sarah Hussey Earle on June 6, 1821, who was a cousin of Lucretia Mott and a strong abolitionist. She served on the Executive Committee of Worcester County Anti-Slavery Society and was a member of the Worcester Anti-Slavery Sewing Circle. They had 6 children together: Elizabeth, Catharine, Martha B., Sarah F., Pliny, and Francis C. They also appeared to have two African Americans living with them in an 1850 census: Catherine and Cynthia Gardner.