John Greenleaf Whittier

Date of Birth: December 17, 1807

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 7, 1892

Biography

John Greenleaf Whittier was an American Quaker poet and advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Born on December 17, 1807, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Whittier grew up on a farm and received a modest education. Despite these humble beginnings, he became one of the most prominent literary figures of his time. Whittier’s early work was heavily influenced by Robert Burns, and his first published poem appeared in the Newburyport Free Press in 1826. Whittier was deeply involved in the abolitionist movement, contributing both his writings and his voice to the cause. He worked closely with William Lloyd Garrison and was a founding member of the American Anti-Slavery Society. His poetry often reflected his Quaker beliefs and his commitment to social justice, with one of his most famous works being the anti-slavery poem “Ichabod” (1850), written in response to Daniel Webster’s support of the Compromise of 1850. Throughout his life, Whittier remained dedicated to various social causes, including women’s rights and Native American rights. He never married, dedicating his life to his family and his causes. Whittier passed away on September 7, 1892, in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, leaving behind a legacy of activism and literature that continues to be celebrated.

5 Interesting Facts about John Greenleaf Whittier

1. Whittier was one of the founders of the American Anti-Slavery Society.

2. His poem “Snow-Bound” (1866) was highly successful and remains one of his most famous works.

3. Whittier was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1901.

4. He never married and was known for his strong family bonds, particularly with his sister, Elizabeth.

5. Whittier’s home in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Greenleaf Whittier

1. “The windows of my soul I throw wide open to the sun.”

2. “For all sad words of tongue and pen, The saddest are these, ‘It might have been’.”

3. “As a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth.”

4. “Before me, even as behind, God is, and all is well.”

5. “We shape ourselves the joy or fear of which the coming life is made, and fill our future’s atmosphere with sunshine or with shade.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Greenleaf Whittier did not accumulate significant wealth during his lifetime. His financial situation was modest, reflecting his Quaker values and his focus on social causes rather than personal gain.