Maria White Lowell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria White Lowell
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Maria White Lowell (1845)
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| Born | Maria White July 8, 1821 Watertown, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | October 27, 1853 (aged 32) Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mount Auburn Cemetery |
| Occupation | Poet, abolitionist |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 4 |
Maria White Lowell (born July 8, 1821 – died October 27, 1853) was an American poet. She was also an abolitionist, meaning she worked to end slavery. Her husband, the poet James Russell Lowell, had her poems printed after she passed away.
Maria's Early Life
Maria White was born in Watertown, Massachusetts. She came from a middle-class family who loved learning. As a child, she lived under strict rules at an Ursuline convent. This convent was later burned down by a crowd in 1834.
Maria's Work and Marriage
Maria Lowell was very active in important social movements of her time. She supported the temperance movement, which aimed to reduce alcohol use. She also strongly believed in women's rights. In 1839, she attended one of the first meetings for women's rights, led by Margaret Fuller.
That same year, Maria's brother introduced her to his friend, James Russell Lowell. James was studying at Harvard College. Maria and James became engaged in 1840. However, Maria's father, Abijah White, wanted them to wait. He insisted James find a steady job before they could marry.
In 1843, Maria and her mother traveled to Philadelphia for a milder climate. There, they met members of the Quaker religion. Quakers were known for their simple lives and strong beliefs in equality. Maria learned a lot from them. This experience made her even more dedicated to the anti-slavery movement, which was just starting to grow.
Maria and James Russell Lowell married on December 26, 1844. James believed Maria was a wonderful person. A friend even said their marriage was "the very picture of a True Marriage."
Maria became deeply involved in the movements against slavery and alcohol. She joined the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society. She also convinced her husband, James, to become an abolitionist too.
After their marriage, the Lowells moved to Philadelphia. James began working for an anti-slavery newspaper called the Pennsylvania's Freeman. He also wrote regularly for the Antislavery Standard. While in Philadelphia, they had their pictures taken using a new method called a daguerreotype. These were the only photos taken of them early in their marriage.
In the spring of 1845, the Lowells moved back to Cambridge, Massachusetts. They made their home at Elmwood. Maria and James had four children, but sadly, only one lived to be an adult. Their first child, Blanche, lived only 15 months. Rose lived for just a few months. Their only son, Walter, died in 1852. Only their fourth child, Mabel, survived to grow up.
Maria's Death
Maria White Lowell was often sick throughout her life. She passed away on October 27, 1853, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was only 32 years old. Maria is buried with her husband at Mount Auburn Cemetery. A book of her poems was printed after her death. Two of her most famous poems are "The Alpine Shepherd" and "The Morning-Glory."
Famous Quote
- "Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one." – This famous line was translated by Lowell from a German play.
