September 1: Phillis Wheatley’s Poems Published (1773)
Prayer Idea
Pray that someone you know would have an opportunity to develop and share his or her talents.
History Note
In 1761 a young girl endured a trip across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to North America in a ship crowded with enslaved people. John and Susanna Wheatley paid for this child to become a member of their household. They named her Phillis after the name of the ship she came on.
Mary Wheatley, the teenage daughter of the family, taught Phillis how to read and write. Phillis quickly learned English. She loved to read the Bible. She also studied Latin, Greek, astronomy, geography, literature, and history. Phillis became fascinated with poetry and started writing her own poems.
An American newspaper published a poem by Phillis in 1767. However, the Wheatleys could not find an American publisher willing to publish a collection of poetry by an enslaved person.
Mary’s twin brother, Nathaniel, escorted Phillis to England in 1773. The Wheatley’s thought the climate might improve Phillis’ health, and they hoped to find a publisher for her poems. A wealthy English lady, the Countess of Huntingdon, decided to pay for the printing of a book of Phillis’ poetry. The collection called Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral was published on September 1, 1773.
Meanwhile, Phillis had returned to America to care for Susanna Wheatley, who was seriously ill. The Wheatleys released Phillis from slavery before Susanna died in 1774.
Phillis married John Peters, a free black man. They had a challenging life together, facing poverty and sickness. Phillis died in 1784.
During her short life, Phillis Wheatley powerfully demonstrated that all human beings, regardless of their skin color and background, have the potential to learn, develop, and share their talents with the world.
This plaque marks the former home in London of A. Bell Booksellers, who published Phillis Wheatley’s collection of poetry. Photo by chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Phillis Wheatley was a member of Old South Church in Boston. That church still celebrates and honors her legacy.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
