Eastman (1788-1858) is the 19th essay in volume 8, A Noble Company.

Samuel Eastman is not well-known in the history of American Baptists. However, he was one of the early American Baptist missionaries who worked in difficult conditions in the region of Mississippi and Louisiana. His ministry models missionary efforts of that day: strong evangelistic, experimental Calvinist preaching and a willing acceptance of frequent travel and relocations. He also represents a commitment to education (ministerial and otherwise), and interestingly, a commitment to self-supporting missionary efforts, while at the same time an advocate for denominational mission efforts. Eastman represents a nineteenth-century minister who was active in denominational affairs and who was pastor of multiple churches with fairly short tenures. His ministry was often complicated by frequent illness, but he persevered with a strong hope in salvation by God alone. --C. Douglas Weaver

The Sansom Street Baptist Church, Philadelphia, (pictured below) is where Samuel Eastman studied under William Staughton. The building was noted at the time not only for the round shape of its auditorium and domed roof, but also for its indoor baptistry—the first in the city.