Poet, Abolitionist. He received little formal education as a young boy growing up near Haverhill, Massachusetts but was an avid reader and as a teen, after being introduced to the works of Robert Burns, developed a great desire to write. In 1826, his first poems were published in the “Newburyport Free Press” which was owned by the abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison. His lifelong friendship with Garrison would help him form his strong anti-slavery views. The young poet’s first two published books “Legends of New England” (1831) and “Moll Pitcher” (1832) won acclaim for their description of life in rural America. He became more public in his abolitionist views when in 1833 he published the pamphlet “Justice and Expediency.” The next year he attended an anti-slavery convention and held a seat in the Massachusetts state legislature. In 1842 he ran for Congress on the Liberty ticket and is credited with being one of the founders of the Republican Party. Although ill health often kept him homebound he continued to fight against slavery through his poems and essays. From 1847 to 1859 he was corresponding editor for “The National Era”, a Washington anti-slavery paper. After the Civil War he rededicated his time to writing poetry. His most famous poem, “Snow-Bound” was written in 1866. He wrote many famous ballads, including “The Barefoot Boy” and “Skipper Ireson’s Ride” and over one hundred hymns, the most famous being “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind.” Known as “America’s Quaker Poet” his impact on America through his writings and anti-slavery efforts is still evident today.
Bio by: Bigwoo