Phillis Wheatley

Not long after being set free, Phillis met John Peters, a free black man. He was a lawyer, grocer, speaker and writer. The couple were married in 1778. Phillis published three more poems after the marriage. Then, John deserted her and her three children. Phillis went to work as a scullery maid in a rooming house to support herself and her children.

Phillis had always been frail. She lived in extreme poverty. All efforts to publish a second book failed. Hard work, worry and the death of two of her children took their toll. Phillis died on December 5, 1784 at the age of approximately thirty-one years. Her remaining child died a few hours later. Mother and child were buried in an unmarked grave.

Phillis Wheatley was the second woman in the United States to publish a book of poetry and the first African-American, male or female to do so. It is unfortunate that her work and her story is virtually unknown.

Phillis' Poetry

Author's Note:

In 1998, Phillis' manuscript brought $68,500. at auction.

For another great article on Phillis see:

Phillis Wheatley: First African American Poet by Linda Sue Grimes, Contributing Editor of the topic, American Poetry.

Books:

A Voice of Her Own by Kathryn Lasky

ISBN: 0763602523

For children 9 to 12, but also interesting for adults who want to learn more about Phillis.

Revolutionary Poet: A Story About Phillis Wheatley

by Jacquelyn McLendon

ISBN: 1575050595

Also written for children 9 to 12, but an excellent resource on facts of Phillis' life.

Both of these books can be bought at Amazon.com

Sources:

A Voice of Her Own by Kathryn Lasky

Exploring Poetry by Gale

America's Story: Revolutionary Period - Library of Congress

Renascence Editions

Women's History

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