Date of Birth: March 24, 1754
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: December 26, 1812
Biography
Joel Barlow was an American poet, diplomat, and politician born on March 24, 1754, in Redding, Connecticut. He was a prominent figure in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for his contributions to American literature and his diplomatic service. Barlow attended Yale College, where he graduated in 1778. While at Yale, he developed a passion for literature and poetry, which would shape his future career. After graduating, Barlow served as a chaplain in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Post-war, he moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where he became involved with the Hartford Wits, a group of writers who sought to create a distinctive American literary style. It was during this period that Barlow wrote his first major work, “The Vision of Columbus” (1787), which was later expanded into “The Columbiad” (1807). In addition to his literary pursuits, Barlow had a significant diplomatic career. He was appointed as the American consul to Algiers in 1795, where he successfully negotiated the release of American prisoners. Later, he served as the U.S. Minister to France from 1811 until his death in 1812. Barlow’s life was marked by his commitment to the ideals of the Enlightenment, and he was an advocate for political and social reforms. His literary works often reflected his progressive views and his belief in the potential for human improvement.
5 Interesting Facts about Joel Barlow
1. Joel Barlow was a member of the Hartford Wits, a group of writers dedicated to creating an American national literature.
2. He served as a chaplain in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
3. Barlow successfully negotiated the release of American prisoners while serving as the consul to Algiers.
4. His epic poem “The Columbiad” was intended to be a national epic for the United States, celebrating its history and future potential.
5. Barlow was an advocate of the French Revolution and lived in France for several years, where he became friends with prominent revolutionaries.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joel Barlow
1. “There are two kinds of truth; the truth that lights the way and the truth that warms the heart.”
2. “A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground.”
3. “The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all.”
4. “No good government but what is republican… the only valuable part of the British constitution is so.”
5. “The conscious impartiality of a good judge is one of the grand leading features in the character of a great man.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Joel Barlow’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was relatively wealthy due to his successful literary and diplomatic careers.
Children
Joel Barlow did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Encyclopedia Britannica – Joel Barlow](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joel-Barlow
2. [Poetry Foundation – Joel Barlow](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/joel-barlow
3. [American Literature – Joel Barlow](https://americanliterature.com/author/joel-barlow
5. [Library of Congress – Joel Barlow](https://www.loc.gov/item/n50009731/
