Thomas Kinnicut Beecher (February 10, 1824 - March 14, 1900) was a Congregationalist preacher and the principal of several schools.

After college and some teaching experience, Beecher settled in Elmira, New York, where he became the minister of a Congregational church.

Thomas Beecher was one of thirteen children, including Henry Ward (who became a noted minister and abolitionist activist), William, Catherine, Edward, Mary, George, Harriet (later known as an anti-slavery activist and author of Uncle Tom's Cabin), Charles, Isabella, and James Beecher.

Beecher worked for a year at the Ohio Medical University, as an aide to the professor of chemistry and pharmacy.

The vote was almost unanimous in favor of a new church, and total pledges of about eighty thousand dollars were given toward that goal.

To support its community, the new church also had a facility for social gatherings and events such as banquets and parties, as well as a large hall where the children could play.

To provide another forum, Beecher founded a club of male youths, who would meet on Tuesday nights.

During his preaching career in Elmira, Beecher was the head of the Sunday school run by the Park Church.

"[3] In 1863 to aid the cause of the Union in the Civil War, which had been underway for two years, Beecher started a regiment with A.S. Diven (the Army depended on wealthier private individuals to recruit men and outfit them with arms, horses, and uniforms), the 107th  regiment, which was soon sent to the front.

Joseph Twichell, he officiated over the marriage of Samuel Clemens ("Mark Twain") to Olivia Langdon.

Beecher moved to Elmira, New York, in 1854 and took residence at the Gleason Sanitarium on Watercure Hill.

He participated in a range of sports when his health was good enough: Baseball, target shooting, battledore (similar to badminton), cycling, cricket, and croquet.