Sophia Thoreau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sophia Thoreau
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Sophia Elizabeth Thoreau (born in 1819, died in 1876) was an American editor. She was the younger sister of the famous writer Henry David Thoreau. Sophia worked very closely with her brother. After he passed away, she was responsible for publishing many of his well-known books.
Sophia's Early Life and Interests
Sophia Thoreau was born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, on June 24, 1819. She was the youngest of four children in her family. Sophia was very active in supporting important causes, like the movement to end slavery, known as abolitionism.
She was also known for her many talents. Sophia was an artist, a gardener, and a naturalist, meaning she studied nature. She also worked as a teacher. After her father, John Thoreau, died, Sophia managed his business affairs.
Publishing Her Brother's Books
Sophia's most important work began after her brother, Henry David Thoreau, died in 1862. She became the main editor for his books that were published after his death. These included Excursions (published in 1863), The Maine Woods (1864), Cape Cod (1865), and A Yankee in Canada (1866).
Sophia also chose the person who would edit Henry's personal journal for publication. For a long time, Sophia Thoreau's big influence on publishing her brother's work was often forgotten. People sometimes gave credit instead to Ralph Waldo Emerson and William Ellery Channing.
Sophia's Legacy
Sophia Thoreau passed away in Bangor, Maine, on October 7, 1876. A special old photograph of Sophia, called a daguerreotype, was taken in 1855. This photograph has been kept at the Concord Museum since 2017. It helps us remember her important contributions.
