Graham, Sylvester

Graham, Sylvester, 1794–1851, American reformer and Presbyterian minister, b. West Suffield, Conn. He advocated a vegetable diet as a cure for intemperance and the use of coarsely ground whole-wheat flour. Graham flour was named for him.

---

Graham, Sylvester (1794–1851) author, reformer; born in West Suffield, Conn. He was a temperance lecturer whose programs came to include advocacy of vegetarianism, fresh foods, cold showers, lighter clothing, and exercise; from his recommended coarsely ground whole wheat flour, known as "graham flour," he developed the graham cracker. His popularity in the 1830s attracted faddists whose extreme pronouncements unfairly drew ridicule on Graham's own commonsensical regimen. Much of his agenda for healthier living would be endorsed by the late 20th century.