Pioneer Poetry: A Quaker Reflects on the Civil War Era in the United States Paperback– August 8, 2015
by Matthew Willis (Author), Phyllis Ruth Edwards(Editor)
Poems Related to Social and Political Issues, Nature, Morality, Humor, Love, and Death While the views of the events of the time portrayed herein are strictly those of the poet, they reflect what may have been a typical layperson’s perspective of the events he observed. As a Quaker, he stoutly maintains his values and beliefs, including hatred of slavery, passionate reverence for the interpretations of the Bible common during his lifetime, disdain for users of alcohol for purposes of intoxication, and love of nature’s gifts in all their magnificent forms. The editor is convinced that the poet would, were he living among us today, share her sincere hopes that the works contained herein will inspire, illuminate, and entertain historians and lovers of literature who happen upon them. … from Wensleydale to Wisconsin …
About the Author
Matthew Willis Born in Carperby, Wensleydale, UK in 1799 Died in Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA in 1883 After publishing his Mountain Minstrel Vol. 1 in England in 1834, Matthew Willis married Jane Longmire from near Lake Windermere in Westmorland. From then until he came to America in 1845, his time was spent in making a living as a farmer. All the while he dreamed of the new world and the freedom it would bring to his children and grandchildren. (i.e., freedom from discrimination against Quakers that the Willis family suffered in England) In 1845 Matthew Willis and family planned to sail to America. Matthew and Jane, their sons, John (b. 1837) and Thomas (b. 1841), and baby Matthew (b. 1843), their daughter, Elizabeth (b. 1835), with their friends, assembled at the wharf while the waiting “Wind Jammer” tugged at its moorings. Elizabeth, their 10-year-old daughter, became very frightened and hysterical. Ocean travel at that time was dangerous and Elizabeth wanted to remain in England with her aunt and uncle. The aunt and uncle wanted to keep the girl and promised that, when she was educated, they would send her to America. The parents agreed, thinking that God may have planned to save little Elizabeth, should they be shipwrecked. So the ship set sail without her. The voyage took more time than the travelers anticipated. Food ran low, and little Matthew, a babe in arms, sickened and died. As the ship was still far from shore, the baby was buried in the sea. At last the family arrived with their two little boys on America’s east coast. They came slowly westward by way of the Ohio River and stagecoach to Mifflin in Iowa County, Wisconsin. There, they “took up” land and built a home. This home they called “Rama”, which means “She would not be comforted.” (Matthew 2:18) Jane continued to grieve for her daughter, Elizabeth in England, and Matthew beneath the waves. Later, seven more children were born to Matthew and Jane: James (b. 1845), Rose Ellen (b. 1847), Richard Grainger (b. 1850), Anthony (b. 1852), Margaret Jane (b. 1854), Alice Ann (b. 1856), and Robert (b. 1859). Matthew Willis died in 1883 at the age of 84. You will learn about his life in America from his poems. He liked America, but loved England.
Product Details
- Paperback: 182 pages
- Publisher: Park Place Publications; 1 edition (August 8, 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1935530984
- ISBN-13: 978-1935530985
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.5 x 11 inches
- $19.95