Margaret L. Bailey facts for kids

Margaret L. Bailey (born Shands; December 12, 1812 – 1888) was an American writer, poet, and newspaper editor. She was a strong supporter of the movement to end slavery. She edited a children's magazine called The Youth's Monthly Visitor and later became the publisher of The National Era, an important anti-slavery newspaper.

Life and Work

Margaret Lucy Shands was born in Sussex County, Virginia, on December 12, 1812. When she was about six years old, her family moved to Ohio. They settled near the city of Cincinnati.

In 1833, Margaret married Dr. Gamaliel Bailey. He was a doctor in Cincinnati. Margaret and Gamaliel had 12 children together. Sadly, only half of them lived past infancy.

Fighting Against Slavery

In 1837, Dr. Bailey became the editor of The Philanthropist. This was a well-known newspaper that spoke out against slavery. Later, in 1843, this newspaper joined with The Cincinnati Morning Herald.

In March 1844, Margaret Bailey started editing The Youth's Monthly Visitor. This was a special paper for children. It quickly became very popular. About 3,000 copies were printed and read each month.

"The Blind Slave Boy" (1845). Words by Mrs. Dr. Bailey. Music arranged from Sweet Afton.

"The Blind Slave Boy", pp. 2-3

In late 1846, the Baileys moved from Cincinnati to Washington, D.C.. Mr. Bailey became the editor of The National Era in 1847. This was another important newspaper that fought against slavery. Margaret also moved her children's magazine, The Youth's Monthly Visitor, to Washington, D.C. She continued to publish it until 1852.

A Gathering Place

In Washington, D.C., the Bailey family home became a popular spot. Many writers, politicians, and friends who supported ending slavery would gather there. Margaret hosted special weekend meetings. These meetings were a place for writers and people who wanted to abolish slavery to talk and share ideas.

After Dr. Bailey passed away in 1859, Margaret took over. She became the publisher of The National Era. She continued this important work until the newspaper stopped printing in February 1860. The next year, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland.

Her Writings

Margaret's poems appeared in the newspapers she and her husband edited. However, her poems were never collected into a single book. After her husband's death, she stopped writing poetry for about eight to ten years.

Some of her poems, like "Duty and Reward", "The Pauper Child's Burial", "Memories", and "Endurance", were included in books about poets from the American West. Her poem "Life's Changes" also appeared in a book called The Female Poets of America.

Margaret Bailey passed away in 1888. She and her husband are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.