Born: c. 1753 (West Africa)
Died: December 5, 1784
Biography:
Phillis Wheatley Peters, also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784) was an American author who is considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and subsequently sold into enslavement at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America, where she was bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. After she learned to read and write, they encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent. On a 1773 trip to London with the Wheatleys’ son, seeking publication of her work, Wheatley met prominent people who became her patrons. The publication in London of her Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral on September 1, 1773, brought her fame both in England and the American colonies. Prominent figures, such as George Washington, praised her work. A few years later, African-American poet Jupiter Hammon praised her work in a poem of his own. Wheatley was emancipated by the Wheatleys shortly after the publication of her book of poems. The Wheatleys died soon thereafter and Phillis Wheatley married John Peters, a poor grocer. They lost three children, who all died young. Wheatley-Peters died in poverty and obscurity at the age of 31.
Early life: Although the date and place of her birth are not documented, scholars believe that Wheatley was born in 1753 in West Africa, most likely in present-day Gambia or Senegal. She was sold by a local chief to a visiting trader, who took her to Boston in the then British Colony of Massachusetts, on July 11, 1761, on a slave ship called The Phillis. The vessel was owned by Timothy Fitch and captained by Peter Gwinn.
On arrival in Boston, Wheatley was bought by the wealthy Boston merchant and tailor John Wheatley as a slave for his wife Susanna. The Wheatleys named her Phillis, after the ship that had transported her to North America. She was given their last name of Wheatley, as was a common custom if any surname was used for enslaved people. The Wheatleys’ 18-year-old daughter, Mary, was Phillis’s first tutor in reading and writing. Their son, Nathaniel, also tutored her. John Wheatley was known as a progressive throughout New England; his family afforded Phillis an unprecedented education for an enslaved person, and one unusual for a woman of any race at the time. By the age of 12, Phillis was reading Greek and Latin classics in their original languages, as well as difficult passages from the Bible. At the age of 14, she wrote her first poem, To the University of Cambridge [Harvard], in New England.
Recognizing her literary ability, the Wheatley family encouraged Phillis to continue writing, and she soon gained recognition for her talent. She composed numerous poems, many of which were published in newspapers and periodicals. In 1773, Phillis traveled to London along with Nathaniel Wheatley to seek publication of her poetry. During her time in London, she met several prominent figures who became her patrons, including Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon, and Benjamin Franklin. The publication of her book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, on September 1, 1773, brought her fame both in England and the American colonies.
Phillis Wheatley’s poetry was widely praised for its eloquence, beauty, and depth of feeling. Not only did she demonstrate her mastery of formal poetic techniques, but she also addressed important social and political issues of the time. She wrote about the cruelty of slavery, the quest for freedom, and the struggles faced by African-Americans. Her poems were a powerful and influential voice in the fight against slavery and oppression.
Despite her achievements as a poet, Wheatley faced many challenges in her personal life. After the death of the Wheatley family, she married John Peters, a poor grocer. The couple faced financial difficulties, and tragically, all three of their children died young. Wheatley-Peters herself died in poverty and obscurity at the age of 31.
Phillis Wheatley’s legacy as a pioneering African-American author cannot be overstated. She broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of African-American writers and artists. Her poetry remains a testament to the power of the written word to effect social change and inspire others. Wheatley’s work continues to be celebrated for its beauty, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Awards:
– Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American author of a published book of poetry.
– Her book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, brought her fame in England and the American colonies. Prominent figures, such as George Washington, praised her work.