Biography By: Alonna.C.Jones Phillis Wheatly Biography By: Alonna.C.Jones

Early Life Phillis was born in Gambia Africa on 1753-55. She was captured and sold to the Wheatly’s. Phillis was a slave at the age of nine. She was bought to Boston and taught to read and write. She was young and smart. Also ready to learn!

Education Phillis was taught by her masters daughter Mary. She was the only slave to get a education and she was a female black by that. Phillis was learning Latin and Greek at the age of 12. She soon loved poetry and had her first poem published. Phillis was beginning her life off on poetry.

Accomplishments During her life, while it was not common for American women to be published, it was especially uncommon for children of slaves to be educated.  Her gift of writing poetry was encouraged by her owners and their daughter, Mary.  They taught Phillis to read and write. With her first poem being published at the age of 12.The countess of Selina Hastings, was a friend of the Wheatley's who greatly encouraged and financed the publication of her book of poetry.

Why is Phillis important to me? Phillis Wheatly is important to me because she was the first slave to read and write. She had courage and wanted her education knowing that if she got it she could help other slaves and help stop slavery. Phillis was a great impact on our heritage. I adore Phillis for her strength and faith!

Conclusion Now that I am done with my research I have found out a lot about this mysterious person. Phillis was a slave with the privilege of a education. Also she was a poet at the age of 12. I am glad with this project and hope you enjoy it as much as I did doing it!

Time line 1753~55-Born 1761-Bought to Boston 1773-Sent to London 1775-Gave George Washington a poem 1778-Legally Freed 1784- Died of illness

Poem and Picture

Statue

Phillis Child and Husband