George Bancroft ( October 3 , 1800 -- January 17 , 1891 ) was an American historian and statesman . He was important in promoting secondary education both in his home state and at the national level . George Bancroft ( October 3 , 1800 -- January 17 , 1891 ) was an American historian and statesman who was prominent in promoting secondary education both in his home state and at the national level .