Ernst Moritz Arndt, a German patriot, professor of history at the university of Bonn, born at Schoritz, on the island of Rugen, Dec. 26, 1769, died in Bonn, Jan. 29, 1860. He studied at Greifswald and Jena, and after travelling over Europe was appointed professor at Greifswald, where he soon published his "History of Serfdom in Pomerania and Rugen," which roused the wrath of some members of the Pomeranian nobility. In 1807 appeared the first volume of his Geist der Zeit, containing his attack against Napoleon, for which he was expelled from the country. He then went to Stockholm, where, under a feigned name, he supported himself by teaching languages. In 1810 he ventured to return to Greifswald in disguise, but on hearing of the Russian campaign, he proceeded in 1812 to St. Petersburg, and published pamphlet after pamphlet to rouse the public mind of Europe from its lethargy. His cry was, If Napoleon is successful in Russia, Germany is undone. Baron Stein sympathized and acted with him. At this time he wrote his book defining the Rhine as a German river, and also his stirring national songs, including Was ist des Deutschen Vater-land ? In 1818 he became professor of modern history at Bonn, but his liberal ideas soon gave renewed offence at Potsdam. He was tried for treason, and though no verdict could be found against him, it was 20 years before the king would allow him to teach history again.

In 1848 he was sent as deputy to the Frankfort parliament; but on May 21, 1849, he withdrew from parliament with the whole constitutional party, which was in favor of a hereditary empire. He returned to Bonn, where, constantly employed in literary labor, he passed an active and happy old age, known and honored throughout Germany, under the popular name of "Father Arndt," as one of the foremost liberators of the country from foreign tranny and home abuses. A monument in his honor was placed on a plateau near Bonn, July 29, 1865. His residence and garden have been purchased and presented to the city of Bonn.