1. John Greenleaf Whittier
Dec. 17, 1807 – Sept. 7, 1892

2. Born in Haverhill, Mass. In 1807 – father farmer – extremely poor
Son of Quakers – hard work, simplicity, pacifism, religion, justice
Schoolmaster Joshua Coffin lent him a copy of Robert Burns poetry.
Published first poem at age 19 – was a cobbler but went back to school.

3. Deeply involved in social issues – devoted to abolition.
While on lecture tour with British abolitionist George Thompson, was forced to drive carriage through a hail of bullets.
His masterpiece “Snowbound” gained him national fame in Profits went to family living expenses.
Never married – took care of mother and sisters.

4. Severe illness in 1867 – health in steady decline
70th birthday (1877) – The Atlantic Monthly threw a party attended by all major American writers of the time.
80th birthday (1888) was a national celebration.