John Greenleaf Whittier John Greenleaf Whittier was born

John Greenleaf Whittier

Ø John Greenleaf Whittier was born December 17, 1807. Ø His parents were John and Abigail (Hussey) Whittier. Ø He was the second of four children. Ø The Whittier family originally came to New England in 1863. Their home was passed from generation to generation.

Ø In 1814, Whittier began to attend the district public school. Ø In 1821, Whittier was introduced to the poetry of Burns, and he began to write poetry for himself Ø Whittier was encouraged to develop his literary talents by William Lloyd Garrison.

Ø Whittier’s first poem appeared in print in 1826. Ø It appeared in the Newburyport Free Press, where Garrison was the editor. Ø Under Garrison’s influence, Whittier became part of the abolitionist movement and edited newspapers in Boston and Hartford.

Ø In 1827, Whittier began to send his poetry to local newspapers Ø Over 80 of them were accepted. Ø By 1829, Whittier was supporting himself by shoemaking and school teaching at the Haverhill Academy.

Ø For the next few years, Whittier continued to edit newspapers and magazines. Ø Many of his jobs were obtained for him by Garrison.

Ø Whittier hoped for a career in politics. Ø He was elected to the state convention of the National Republican party. Ø He also joined the anti-slavery party and began writing anti-slavery poetry. Ø In 1835, he was elected to the Massachusetts legislature.

Ø In 1838, Whittier publishes his first collection of poetry Ø In 1839, Whittier helps found the Liberty party, which did work for the anti-slavery movement. Ø With the Emancipation Proclamation in 1864, Whittier feels that his anti-slavery goals have already been met.

Ø In 1866, Snow-Bound, Whittier’s master- piece was published, and he gained financial stability for the first time. Ø In 1870, he publishes the Ballads of New England. Ø In 1886, Whittier was made an honorary LLD by Harvard. Ø This was huge for Whittier since he grew up on a farm and was often thought of as an “uneducated farm-boy. ”

Ø Houghton Mifflin Co, which was the country’s most distinguished publishing house at the time, issued a definitive edition of Whittier’s poetry and prose. Ø In 1890, Whittier privately prints his final book, At Sundown.

Ø Whittier died on September 7, 1892 at Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. Ø He is currently buried on a family plot in Amesbury.