Henry Steel Olcott
Colonel Henry Steel Olcott (2 August 1832 – 17 February 1907) was an American military officer, journalist, lawyer, Freemason (member of Huguenot Lodge #448, now #46) and the co-founder and first president of the Theosophical Society.
Henry Steel Olcott | |
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Colonel Henry Steel Olcott | |
| Born | 2 August 1832 Orange, New Jersey |
| Died | 17 February 1907 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | City College of New York Columbia University |
| Occupation(s) | Military officer Journalist Lawyer |
| Known for | Revival of Buddhism Theosophical Society American Civil War |
| Spouse | Mary Epplee Morgan |
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Olcott was the first well-known American of European ancestry to make a formal conversion to Buddhism. His subsequent actions as president of the Theosophical Society helped create a renaissance in the study of Buddhism. Olcott is considered a Buddhist modernist for his efforts in interpreting Buddhism through a Europeanized lens.
Olcott was a major revivalist of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and he is still honored in Sri Lanka for these efforts. Vice President of the Ananda College Old Boys Association Samitha Seneviratne has said that "Col. Olcott's contribution towards the betterment of our country, nation, religion, justice and good conduct has been so great that he remains in our hearts forever".