William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878)

1
William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878)

• born in Cummington, MA father was a physician
  and mother came from a family of clergymen
• he was considered a child-prodigy, publishing
  his first poem at 10 and his first book when he
  was 13
• pushed by his father into the law profession
  began to practice law at 22
• Thanatopsis published after he worked on it
  for 6 years made him famous

Bryant home built by his grandfather
2

• moved to New York after the success of
  Thanatopsis became editor of the New York Post
• as a liberal, he supported anti-slavery movement
• famous literary figure school children were
  taught to recite his poem
• died at 83 a rich and honored man at home and
  abroad