John Greenleaf Whittier

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American writer of poetry, hymns and novels who was called "the Quaker Poet," as his life and poetry were closely connected with his faith of his upbringing. Although he had very little early education, he discovered poetry at the age of 14 and was first published at 18 to become one of the best known American poets. His first published works came to the attention of William Lloyd Garrison, who became his lifelong friend. Through him, Whittier became the editor of a Boston paper, 1829, which started his active involvement in the abolitionist movement, eventually devoting all of his energies to the cause. He became a member of the MA. Legislature 1834-1835, founded the Liberal Party in 1839, was a factor in the founding of the Democratic Party, served as editor of the "Pennsylvania Freeman," 1838-1840 and the Washington "National Era," 1847-1860. After the Civil War, his work "Snowbound", 1866, is generally considered to be his best work and made him famous. Whittier is also remembered for numerous ballads and has written over a hundred hymns. He died on 9/07/1892, Hampton Falls, NH. Link to Wikipedia biography