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(1758-1843), born in Connecticut, first came to prominence by the publication of a spelling book, of which 62,000,000 copies have been issued. In 1784 he published "Sketches of American Policy," which had influence upon the movement toward a national constitution. In 1787 he published " The Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution." In 1795 he wrote articles signed " Curtius," which were influential in behalf of the Jay treaty. In 1828 his first "Dictionary of the English Language" was published. He served in the legislatures of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Life by Scudder.