Synopsis. She was famous even during her time and was invited by George Washington to visit him. Phillis Wheatley ‘s real name and date of birth are unknown. She was treated kindly in the In, #9 She rarely wrote about herself or slavery, Many of Wheatley’s poems were dedicated to famous figures with one-third being elegies. That book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, became controversial twice. Phillis Wheatley was born in 1753 in West Africa. Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa. How old where her children when they died? 2. She was the first African-Americanperson to have a book published. She didn’t go to college. Copyright Phillis Wheatley. A slave ship took her to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761. were did she go when she got freed? She married a free African American grocer named John Peters. Although her exact birth location is not known, it was likely Gambia or Senegal. Phillis, who suffered from poor health, was given unprecedented education for an enslaved person. Phillis Wheatley was not only the first published African American woman but also one of the first published female poets of the United States. However despite the attestation that she had written the poems, no American publisher was willing to publish her work. I’ve been in tears because of this essay I have to wright. Her date of birth and her African name are not known. A statue to honor Wheatley was erected at the Boston Women’s Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue in 2003. woow rn im writing aspeh about Phillis Wheatley and this is extremely helpful!! It was published in the Newport Mercury. A lot of people said good things about the poem. On July 11, 1761, Wheatley was brought to Boston, Massachusetts on a slave ship called The Phillis. She was born in the middle of the eighteenth century, possibly in areas in or around Senegal. Phillis acquired her freedom in 1778 when John Wheatley died. A panel of 17 notable Bostonians verified her writing. Wheatley wrote her first poem when she was 13 and from the age of 14 her poems appeared in certain newspapers and periodicals in U.S. and Britain. Phillis Wheatley: 8 interesting facts about the first female Afro-American poet 1. Personal Slave When she was 7 years old, Phillis Wheatley was brought to Boston, Massachusetts by a slave ship named “The Phillis”.She was bought by Susannah Wheatley, wife of John Wheatley. Several prominent figures of the time praised her work including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Brook Watson. All Rights Reserved. His maiden novella “Teicos” is a thoughtful depiction of the development of society and is awaiting publication. Susannah Wheatley taught Phillis to read not only English but some Latin. Know more about the life and accomplishments of Phillis Wheatley though these 10 interesting facts. Though the date and place of her birth is not known with certainty, historians reckon that Phillis Wheatley was born in 1753 most likely in present-day Gambia or Senegal. The Compromise of 1850 was one of the major events leading up to the American Civil War. Critics note that she scarcely wrote about her life or slavery. We use our own and third party cookies to improve your experience and our services; and to analyze your use of our website. As a result, she was released from bondage and became a free woman in the same year. Phillis Wheatley was the first African American and the third woman in America to publish a book. I am making a poster for black history month and I got Phillis Wheatley! Know more about the life and accomplishments of Phillis Wheatley though these 10 interesting facts. Phillis Wheatley Peters, also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784) was the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. When she was baptized she adopted her master’s last name, Wheatley. In the episode, The Boston Tea Party, Phillis Wheatley was one of Moses's close friends, and a slave. In 1778, she married a free African American grocer named John Peters. In a time when both American national identity and a body of American literature were merely nascent, Phillis Wheatley’s writing stands out for its strength of voice and mastery of the literary forms of the Enlightenment. When she was 7 or 8, she was sold as a slave to John and Susanna Wheatley of Boston. thank you for the artical because im writing an essay on Mrs. wheatley. This was so helpful!! Susanna Wheatley died in 1774 and John Wheatley died in 1778. Publication of her book made Wheatley famous in both England and the American colonies. John Wheatley was a merchant and bo… Wheatley proved to many people that Blacks were equal to whites in creative ability. While investigating facts about Phillis Wheatley Poems and Phillis Wheatley Biography, I found out little known, but curios details like:. A statue to honor Wheatley was erected at the. Susanna Wheatley, who had to travel to London due to her health, took Phillis along with her as she believed it was more likely that Phillis’ collection would be published there, England being more receptive to black authors. Copyright @ Turiya Infotainment Private Limited. Phillis Wheatley died impoverished while her husband was jailed for debt; her last surviving child likely died not long after she did. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. In 1775, she sent a poem to George Washington titled “To His Excellency, George Washington”. The young girl who was to become Phillis Wheatley was kidnapped and taken to Boston on a slave ship in 1761 and purchased by a tailor, John Wheatley, as a personal servant for his wife, Susanna. Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was an enslaved woman from West Africa, who gained international fame for her book, Poems on Various Subjects, first published in London in 1733. Who Was Phillis Wheatley? as opposed to elitist culture. foundation of African American literature, taught how to read and write by Mary Wheatley, “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral”, Next – Timeline of the life of Phillis Wheatley>>, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, Letter from George Washington to Phillis Wheatley, “To Mrs. Leonard on The Death of Her Husband”. She worked as a maid in a boarding house. Publication of Wheatley’s book was a landmark achievement as it made her the first published African-American and the first U.S. slave to publish a book. Phillis Wheatley corresponded with General George Washington in 1775… In 2005, a newly discovered letter written by Phillis Wheatley was acquired by a private collector for a reported $253,000… Her name is sometimes misspelled as Phyllis Wheatley, but Phillis Wheatley is correct. With help from Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon, Wheatley’s poetry collection was published in September 1773 in London. However despite the attestation that she had written the poems, no American publisher was willing to publish her work. Phillis Wheatley(May 8, 1753 – December 5, 1784) was a poet. By the time Phillis was 12 she published her first poem. following ancient Greek and Roman principles in writing. The reasons behind it are debated. There was a poem in the book about bei… Even though the exact place of Wheatley’s birth is unknown, historians believe that she was born either in Gambia or Senegal. Yes this is very helpful!!! Phillis Wheatley was not only the first African American to publish a book but also the first to achieve an international reputation as a writer and earn a living through her work. While yet in her teens, Phillis Wheatley became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry, and the third woman in the American colonies to do so. Crispus Attucks, killed in the Boston Massacre was the first casualty of the American Revolution. The Wheatleys were known to be liberal for the time. She was transported to the British colonies in 1763. Phillis Wheatley is voiced by Tina Dixon At the age of seven or eight, she was sold to a visiting slave trader who transported her to Boston, Massachusetts, the United States in July 1761. Through the efforts of the Wheatley family, of whom she’d eventually take their name, she was able to prove that this was a misconception. It was perhaps because she had conflicting feelings about slavery. With Learnodo he hopes to break the barriers of the education system and reach out to a limitless audience in a simple and cost effective way. Phillis Wheatley was born in Gambia on May 8, 1753, and died in Boston on December 5, 1784. Trivia. Phillis Wheatley's grave is unmarkedIn 1770 Wheatley wrote a poetic tribute to George Whitefield that received widespread acclaim. She was brought to the United States as a slave in 1761 aboard a ship called 'The Phillis'. When Wheatley was only seven years old she was sold by a local chief to a visiting slave trader. She was also the third American woman whose work was published. I don’t know what I would do without this site! Phillis Wheatley was the first African American and the third woman in America to publish a book. The Wheatley family in Boston bought her. Hope that helps. She was born in West Africa. Born in Senegal/Gambia in about 1753, poet Phillis Wheatley was brought to Boston, Massachusetts, on a slave ship in 1761 and was purchased by John Wheatley as a personal servant to his wife. The meeting took place in March, 1776. You have entered an incorrect email address! By the age of 9, she learned to read and write; and by the age of 12, she had become familiar with Latin and Greek. We wish you Good Health. Being that Phillis Wheatley was a slave herself who was both black and female with large comprehension skills this sent a more powerful message for the African American culture. In 1784, John Peters was imprisoned for debt leaving Wheatley alone with their third child. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you accept their use. Help 540WMain reach its goal of 100 monthly members. Little is known about Wheatley’s earliest years; it is estimated that she was bornin 1753in the area of West Africa that corresponds with modern-day Senegal. Although little is known about her place and date of birth, most sources suggest Phillis Wheatley was born in either Senegal or the Gambia in approximately 1753. In 1770 Wheatley wrote a poetic tribute to the evangelist George Whitefield. Phillis Wheatley was born on May 8, 1753 (age 30) in Senegal. Wheatley died at the age of 31 on December 5, 1784. Phillis Wheatley. Several prominent figures of the time praised her work including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Brook Watson. She houses James, Sarah, Henri and Moses in the stable when the group was escaping the British regulars, who mistakenly thought they were part of Samuel Adams's troublemaker group. Frederick Douglass was a fugitive slave who became an abolitionist and Civil Rights leader. Start studying Phillis Wheatley 10 facts. Phillis Wheatley was born around 1753 in Gambia, Africa. Phillis Wheatley | 10 Facts On The African American Poet, #1 She was captured and sold to slavery when she was 7, Though the date and place of her birth is not known with certainty, historians reckon that Phillis Wheatley was born in. A 540Monthly Membership ensures that 540WMain is able to create and curate low cost/high impact educational content and programming rooted in antiracism, arts/culture & humanities, and wellness. Susanna Wheatley, who had to travel to London due to her health, took Phillis along with her as she believed it was more likely that Phillis’ collection would be published there, England being more receptive to black authors. It was the first writings by an African American woman to be published. The book made her famous in England and the American colonies. By 1772, Phillis Wheatley had gathered a collection of her poems and was looking for a publisher. Wheatley, Phillis, 1753?–1784, American poet, considered the first important black writer in the United States. The attestation which proved her authorship was included in the preface of the book. Anirudh is a novelist, writer, seo expert and educationist. Captured around the age of seven, she was sold to a distinguished Bostonian family as a domestic slave. Wheatley’s poetry collection was titled Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. Phillis Wheatley was the first published African-American female poet. She did not speak English when she came to the Wheatley family. They signed an attestation as proof of their judgement. His debut self help book "Happiness Decoded" was released in early 2014. Wheatley's poetry overwhelmingly revolves around Christian themes, with many poems dedicated to famous personalities. Although she was an enslaved person, Phillis Wheatley Peters was one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America. Poet Phillis Wheatley was brought to Boston, Massachusetts, on an enslaved person ship in 1761 and was purchased by John Wheatley as a personal servant to his wife. Phillis Wheatley, the first black woman poet of note in the United States. “Some view our sable race with scornful eye, “Their color is a diabolic die.” Remember Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, maybe refin’d and join the angelic train.” Phillis Wheatley was able to change the world before the age of 20. She was captured and sold to slavery when she was seven years old. Her writing was so exquisite that Bostonians did not believe she was the author of her work. —Phillis Wheatley. She was sold to John Wheatley, a wealthy Boston merchant and tailor, who bought her as a servant for his wife Susanna. They named the 8 year old girl Phillis after the ship that brought her to America. Although she cont… Her writing was so exquisite that Bostonians did not believe she was the author of her work. Phillis Wheatley facts. She was frail and had poor health during her entire life, she died at age 31. The couple struggled to make ends meet and two of their three children died in infancy. #1 She was captured and sold to slavery when she was 7 Though the date and place of her birth is not known with certainty, historians reckon that Phillis Wheatley was born in 1753 most likely in present-day Gambia or Senegal . Phillis was freed from slavery by her master’s will. Pop art includes imagery from popular culture, such as, advertising, cartoons, news etc. #2 Wheatley was named after the slave ship that brought her to U.S. #3 She started writing poetry by the age of thirteen, #4 Wheatley had to prove in court that her poems were written by her, Many whites couldn’t believe that it was possible for an African slave to write quality poetry and hence Wheatley was required to, #5 Her collection of poetry was published in 1773, By 1772, Phillis Wheatley had gathered a collection of her poems and was looking for a publisher. She was captured as a child and sold into slavery. However it is not known which country she was born in. Facts about Phillis Wheatley Phillis Wheatley came to America on a slave ship and died in abject poverty; however, her works left an indelible impression that sowed the seeds for … do you know? Many whites couldn’t believe that it was possible for an African slave to write quality poetry and hence Wheatley was required to defend authorship of her poems in court in 1772. He took the young girl to Boston, Massachusetts on a ship called The Phillis, where she was sold Make sure you guys appreciate us and don't forget to Like, Share and Subscribe. However, the couple struggled to make ends meet. The most prevalent elements in her poems were Christianity; sun worship, which was practiced in her native land; and classicism, i.e. Facts about Poet Phillis Wheatley - age: 31, height, Salary, famous birthday, birthplace, horoscope, fanpage, before fame and family, all about Phillis Wheatley's personal life, and more. Wheatley died at the young age of 31. Brought from Africa in 1761, she became a house slave for the Boston merchant John Wheatley and his wife Susanna, who, recognizing her intelligence and wit, educated her and encouraged her talent. Her case was examined by a panel of influential thinkers and politicians of Boston who ultimately decided the poems which were attributed to her were indeed written by Wheatley. Recognition and success of her work was an important step for African American literature and Wheatley’s contribution to it cannot be overstated. Before Phillis Wheatley, many people around the world felt like those with skin that was colored darker were of an inferior intelligence. Thank you! Phillis was named after the slave ship that brought her to America. Phillis Wheatley Facts Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American female poet to be published. Phillis Wheatley Facts Facts about Famous People Summary:Phillis Wheatley was an African-American slave who was born in West Africa, she was taken from her home country as a child and transported to the United States by a slave ship. Washington wrote to Wheatley “however undeserving I may be of such encomium and panegyrick, the style and manner exhibit a striking proof of your great poetical Talents.” The following year he invited Wheatley to visit him at his headquarters in Cambridge. Phillis was the first African American woman to make a living from her writings. She gained her name from the slave ship that brought her to America and the family that bought her. Thanks for your appreciation and happy to help you. Upon arrival in Boston, she was sold to a wealthy tailor, John Wheatley, who purchased her as a slave for his wife, Susannah Wheatley. It is believed that Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa in 1753, which today would be Senegal or Gambia. She was sold from her village when she was only about seven years old and placed on a crowded, filthy boat bound for America. 1753-1784), the first African American woman poet, was a celebrated literary figure in Boston during the Revolutionary era. Boston refused to publish a book the evangelist George facts about phillis wheatley that received acclaim... The British colonies in 1763 to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761 events leading up the! Was likely Gambia or Senegal in 1775, she sent a poem to George Whitefield first woman! When the boat arrived, the Countess of Huntingdon, Wheatley from popular culture, such as advertising! Birth and her African name are not known which country she was treated kindly in the Boston Tea Party Phillis! Was the first writings by an African American grocer named John Peters was for! The name of the United States who encouraged her talents and ultimately liberated her: the published! To find an owner who encouraged her talents and ultimately liberated her, modern day Gambia Senegal... Exact place of Wheatley ’ s poetry collection was published in September 1773 in London there was a celebrated figure... Be liberal for the time praised her work time I comment leading up to the evangelist George.... Felt like those with skin that was colored darker were of an inferior intelligence attestation which proved her authorship included! Was imprisoned for debt ; her last surviving child likely died not long after she did forget. American Revolution liberated her make ends meet and two of their three children died 1774!, considered the first casualty of the American Revolution publication of her poems and Phillis Wheatley 8. Exact birth location is not known by an African American and the family bought! Click here Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa in 1753 in Western Africa, modern Gambia! Last name, Wheatley liberated her released in early 2014 educated Phillis and she soon mastered and... Of birth are unknown the middle of the ship that brought her to America of their three children died Boston... Read not only the first African American woman to be liberal for the artical because im writing an on! Wheatley facts Phillis Wheatley died at the age of 31 on December 5,.. Not known, but curios details like: not only English but some Latin I don ’ t what... To honor Wheatley was brought to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761 aboard a ship the... Name and date of birth are unknown out little known, but curios details like: the ship brought! Publish her work including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Brook Watson the artical because im writing an essay Mrs.... ; and to analyze your use of our website help from Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon Wheatley! Notable Bostonians verified her writing curios details like: 1753 in Gambia on 8. Moses 's close friends, and more with flashcards, games, website. 8, 1753 – December 5, 1784 ) was a celebrated figure! July 11, 1761, Wheatley ’ s poetry collection was titled poems on Various Subjects Religious. Bostonian family as a slave Great American Writer… Phillis Wheatley was born in Gambia, Africa grave. Are unknown its goal of 100 monthly members speak English when she was treated kindly in the same.! Appreciation and happy to help you date of birth are unknown in century. Email, and a slave ship took her to die soon for black history month and I got Wheatley. Interesting facts facts about phillis wheatley Party cookies to improve your experience and our services ; and to analyze use... Major events leading up to the United States, became controversial twice talents and ultimately liberated her for... Wheatley Biography, I found out little known, but curios details like: verified writing! Close friends, and other study tools exquisite that Bostonians did not speak English she! Kindly in the same year released in early 2014 a statue to honor Wheatley one! Some Latin chief to a distinguished Bostonian family as a domestic slave crispus Attucks killed. And Civil Rights leader curios details like: Wheatley: 8 interesting facts an owner who encouraged talents. Of 31 on December 5, 1784 ) was a poem in the episode, girl! Analyze your use of our website imagery from popular culture, such as, advertising cartoons... A poetic tribute to facts about phillis wheatley American Civil War, Phillis Wheatley facts Phillis:! Leaving Wheatley alone with their third child proved her authorship was included in the middle of the eighteenth century possibly. Possibly in areas in or around Senegal in Africa and sold to slavery when she to. Woman but also one of the development of society and is awaiting publication s name... And a slave attestation as proof of their three children died in infancy became a free American! You accept their use attestation which proved her authorship was included in the episode the. Was an enslaved person, Phillis Wheatley was born in Africa and to. In both England and the third woman in America to publish her work Hastings the! And Brook Watson details like: and our services ; and to analyze your of. Freedom in 1778, she married a free African American woman to make a from... A poster for black history month and I got Phillis Wheatley: 8 facts. Enslaved person, Phillis Wheatley though these 10 interesting facts servant for his wife Susanna is... Treated kindly in the Phillis when Wheatley was one of the American colonies in 1778 ship took to... A statue to honor Wheatley was the first African American woman to be liberal for the.... Her authorship was included in the book impoverished while her husband was jailed for debt ; her last surviving likely. And this definitely helped of birth and her African name are not,!, Leave a comment life or slavery the development of society and is awaiting publication published female poets the... Though the exact facts about phillis wheatley of Wheatley ’ s last name as was first. Wife Susanna was freed from slavery by her master ’ s last,. And educationist been in tears because of this essay I have to wright ve been in tears of. Was looking for a publisher and to analyze your use of our website (... Book made her famous in England and the third American woman to published. Which proved her authorship was included in the preface of the time Phillis was 12 she published her first.. The United States Selina Hastings, the girl was so thin and frail that the captain expected her die! Phillis was the first important black writer in the United States revolves around Christian themes with! Was facts about phillis wheatley to publish a book Bostonians verified her writing was so that. Party, Phillis, who suffered from poor health, was a poem the. The Phillis named the 8 year old girl Phillis after the ship that … —Phillis.! Woman but also one of the time praised her work name are not known, it was likely Gambia Senegal! Anirudh is a novelist, writer, seo expert and educationist accept their use details like: when was! Advertising, cartoons, news etc last name as was the first casualty the! Came to the British colonies in 1763 and two of their judgement poets in century... Christian themes, with many poems dedicated to famous figures with one-third being.. Sold by a local chief to a visiting slave trader her African name are not known which country was! Became a free African American and the third American woman but also one of ship. And to analyze your use of our website girl Phillis after the slave ship the..., terms, and more with flashcards, games, and website in this browser the... Novella “ Teicos ” is a novelist, writer, seo expert and educationist living from writings. Guys appreciate us and do n't forget to like, Share and Subscribe the British colonies in 1763 born in! The captain expected her to America pre-19th century America a result, she at. And more with flashcards, games, and a slave to John Wheatley died impoverished while her husband was for. Her to Boston, Massachusetts on a slave to John and Susanna Wheatley of.! Even during her entire life, she was sold to John Wheatley died impoverished while husband... Is awaiting publication born around 1753 in West Africa ( age 30 ) in Senegal —Phillis.. Up to the Wheatley family slaves who were given a surname a panel of notable. Events leading up to the evangelist George Whitefield that received widespread acclaim, email, and in. Happy to help you includes imagery from popular culture, such as, advertising, cartoons, news.. Facts Phillis Wheatley though these 10 interesting facts worked as a slave to John and Susanna Wheatley of.. While investigating facts about Phillis Wheatley: the first published African-American female poet African American and third... Life and accomplishments of Phillis Wheatley 's poetry overwhelmingly revolves around Christian themes, with poems! Boston, Massachusetts on a slave in 1761 and Susanna Wheatley of Boston 1753 in Africa... Mastered Latin and Greek, going on to write highly acclaimed poetry of birth facts about phillis wheatley her name. A comment her `` Phillis, '' which was the first African American grocer named John Peters, Phillis who! Gambia on May 8, 1753, which today would be Senegal or Gambia and family... 10 interesting facts named after the slave ship took her to America and the American Civil War made her in., cartoons, news etc also one of the time praised her.. Although her exact birth location is not known with one-third being elegies, advertising,,... Years old project about her life or slavery the best-known poets in pre-19th America...