Carl Sandburg

Date of Birth: January 6, 1878

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: July 22, 1967

Biography

Carl Sandburg was an American poet, biographer, journalist, and editor, best known for his poetry that captured the essence of the American experience. Born on January 6, 1878, in Galesburg, Illinois, Sandburg grew up in a modest, working-class family. His parents were Swedish immigrants, and their struggles and triumphs significantly influenced his perspective on life and work. Sandburg left school at the age of 13 to help support his family, taking on various jobs such as delivering milk, laying bricks, and shining shoes. He later served in the Spanish-American War and used his veteran’s benefits to attend Lombard College in Galesburg. He began his career as a journalist, and his poetry started gaining recognition in the early 20th century. His works often depicted the lives of ordinary Americans, and he became a voice for the working class. Sandburg’s most famous poetry collections include “Chicago Poems,” “Cornhuskers,” and “Smoke and Steel.” He also wrote a six-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln, which earned him two Pulitzer Prizes. Sandburg’s versatility extended beyond poetry and biography; he also wrote children’s stories and compiled folk songs. He lived a long and fruitful life, passing away on July 22, 1967, in Flat Rock, North Carolina, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary achievements.

5 Interesting Facts about Carl Sandburg

1. Carl Sandburg won three Pulitzer Prizes: two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln.

2. Sandburg was an accomplished folk musician and collected and performed American folk songs.

3. He served as a secretary to the mayor of Milwaukee before fully committing to his literary career.

4. Sandburg’s home in Flat Rock, North Carolina, is now a National Historic Site.

5. He was a strong advocate for social justice and used his writing to address issues such as labor rights and racial equality.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Carl Sandburg

1. “The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.”

2. “Nothing happens unless first we dream.”

3. “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.”

4. “I am an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.”

5. “The past is a bucket of ashes, so live not in your yesterdays, nor just for tomorrow, but in the here and now.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Carl Sandburg’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was not known for significant personal wealth. His legacy, however, is invaluable in American literature.

Children

Carl Sandburg had three daughters: Margaret, Janet, and Helga Sandburg. His children often featured in his life and works, and his daughter Helga wrote a biography of her father.