Eudora Bumstead facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eudora Bumstead
"A Woman of the Century"
Born	Eudora Stone August 26, 1860 Bedford, Michigan, U.S.
Died	1892
Resting place	Bellevue Memorial Park, Ontario, California
Occupation	poet, hymnwriter
Language	English
Nationality	American
Notable works	"Signs of Spring"
Spouse	William T. Bumstead ​ (m. 1880)​
Children	2

Eudora Bumstead (born Eudora Stone, August 26, 1860 – 1892) was an American poet and songwriter from the 1800s. She is often called "the children's poet" because she wrote many poems for young readers.

She started writing poems when she was a child. When she was just ten years old, she earned $2 for a poem called "Signs of Spring". This poem was published in a magazine called Our Young Folks. Eudora Bumstead was one of many young writers who began their careers in Our Young Folks.

Early Life and Education

Eudora Stone was born in Bedford, Michigan, on August 26, 1860. When she was young, her family moved to Nebraska. She remembered the wide-open prairies with their gentle breezes. Her parents were very supportive and encouraged her writing.

She started writing poems as a child. When she was ten, one of her poems was published in Our Young Folks. Eudora received a good public school education. From 1878 to 1879, she was a student at the Nebraska State University.

Career as a Writer

For a time, Eudora was a successful school teacher. While she was attending Nebraska State University, she met William T. Bumstead. They got married in 1880.

After getting married, she had less time for writing. However, when she did write, her poems were mostly for children. She often wrote for popular magazines like St. Nicholas Magazine and The Youth's Companion. She was a special writer for The Youth's Companion for several years, using the name Eudora S. Bumstead.

Personal Life

Eudora Bumstead came from a Quaker family. Like the Quakers, she enjoyed a quiet life and was very sincere. She did not have many friends.

She was very knowledgeable and had a sharp mind. She liked to discuss ideas and only believed things that made sense to her. Eudora and her family lived in Beatrice, Nebraska before moving to Ontario, California with their daughter.

Eudora Bumstead passed away in 1892. She was buried at Bellevue Memorial Park in Ontario, California.

Writing Style and Themes

Eudora Bumstead had two children. Her only son passed away when he was two and a half years old. Even though this was a sad time, Eudora chose not to write about her sadness. She believed it was better to write things that spread happiness and light, rather than sadness.

Selected Works

Here are some of the poems and songs Eudora Bumstead wrote:

Hymn Lyrics

• "The sun has gone from the shining skies"
• "Throw to the wind your doubt and fear"

Song Verses

• "Blow, wind, blow" (1888)
• "Folliloo"
• "Grievous complaint" (1890)
• "In the swing" (1888)
• "Kandikew" (1886)
• "Little red hen" (1885)
• "Mystic sign" (1888)
• "Ollie's dreams" (1881)
• "Problem in threes" (1889)
• "Sad reason for tears" (1889)
• "Summer lullaby" (1887)
• "Year with dolly" (1892)

Poems

• "Little pine-tree" (1889)
• "Quest" (1888)
• "A Year with Dolly" (1892)

Plays

• Waiting for Santa Claus (1889)

See also

In Spanish: Eudora Stone Bumstead para niños