John Greenleaf Whittier Portrait & Birthplace, Haverhill, MA
Additional Details:
| JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER, one of New England and one of America's best beloved poets. Born of simple farming folk in East Haverhill, Mass., Dec. 17, 1807. In his early youth his first occupations were those of a farmer's boy, thus bringing him into that intimate communion with nature which lends such a peculiarly characteristic charm of picturesque truth and domestic simplicity to so many of his poems. His formal education was very meagre being merely that obtained from the district school and Haverhill Academy. The experience of travel was also denied him. He edited numerous newspapers, among them being The Haverhill Gazette, New England Weekly Review and The Pennsylvania Freeman. Attended the Massachusetts Legislature as member for his native town in 1835-1836. In 1840 he took up his abode at Amesbury, Mass., and here and at Danvers, Mass., he passed his later life. Died at Hampton Falls, N. H. Sept. 7, 1892. His writings are marked by earnestness of tone, high moral purpose and energy of expression. His spirit was that of a sincere and fearless reformer; and his fervid appeals were the true utterance of a brave and loving heart. |
