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If you’re a fan of American poetry, then the name Abigail Hussey might sound familiar to you. Abigail Hussey was the mother of John Greenleaf Whittier, who is considered one of the most significant American poets of the 19th century, known for his poems that dealt with social issues such as slavery, abolitionism, and women’s rights. However, Abigail Hussey’s life and contributions to the family legacy are often overlooked.

Early Life of Abigail Hussey

Abigail Hussey was born on September 18, 1777, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, to a family of farmers. She was the daughter of John Hussey, a wealthy businessman, who was also an influential figure in the political scene of the town. Abigail was the youngest of five siblings, and unlike her sisters, she did not receive any formal education. Instead, she was taught by her mother at home, where she learned basic skills such as cooking, sewing, and gardening.

Marriage and Family

At the age of 22, Abigail Hussey married John Whittier, a shoemaker and farmer from Haverhill, Massachusetts, on June 10, 1799. The couple had seven children, but only five survived. John Greenleaf Whittier was their fourth child, born on December 17, 1807. Abigail was a devoted mother, who spent most of her time taking care of her family. However, she was also an active member of the Quaker community, where she taught Sunday school classes and served as a minister.

The Legacy of Abigail Hussey

Abigail Hussey’s contribution to the family legacy is often overlooked, but her influence on her son, John Greenleaf Whittier, was significant. Whittier credits his mother’s storytelling skills as the reason why he became interested in poetry. According to Whittier, his mother used to read him stories from the Bible and other books, which sparked his curiosity and imagination. Besides, Abigail’s participation in the Quaker community exposed her son to ideas such as equality and justice, themes that became prevalent in Whittier’s poetry.

Moreover, Abigail’s resilience and determination were also a source of inspiration for Whittier. Abigail had to endure many hardships, including the deaths of two of her children, financial struggles, and health issues. However, she never lost her faith or her determination to provide for her family. Her perseverance and grit are evident in Whittier’s poem, “Telling the Bees,” which is a tribute to his mother and her bee-keeping skills.

Abigail Hussey and Women’s Rights

Abigail Hussey was also an advocate for women’s rights, a cause that was close to her heart. As a member of the Quaker community, Abigail believed in the equality of all people, regardless of gender. She was a proponent of women’s education and spoke out against the cultural norms and stereotypes that limited women’s opportunities.

Abigail’s advocacy for women’s rights was not only limited to her personal life but also influenced her son’s poetry. Whittier, in his poem, “The Prophecy of Samuel Sewall,” which is a satirical commentary on the injustice of the Salem Witch Trials, uses the character of Martha Corey, a victim of the witch-hunt, to criticize the pervasive gender stereotypes of the time.

The Legacy of Abigail Hussey Continues

The legacy of Abigail Hussey continues to inspire and influence. Her dedication to her family, her community, and social justice issues are values that continue to resonate with people today. Her son, John Greenleaf Whittier, continues to be a prominent figure in American literature, and his poetry remains relevant and powerful to this day.

Conclusion

Abigail Hussey might not be a household name, but her life and contributions to the family legacy are worth celebrating. Her influence on her son, John Greenleaf Whittier, and his poetry is significant. Abigail’s resilience, determination, and advocacy for women’s rights make her a trailblazer and a role model for future generations.

FAQs

Q. Was Abigail Hussey a feminist?

Abigail Hussey was a proponent of women’s education and spoke out against cultural norms and stereotypes that limited women’s opportunities. Although the term feminist was not widely used during her time, she subscribed to feminist values and believed in the equality of all people, regardless of gender.

Q. How did Abigail Hussey influence her son, John Greenleaf Whittier’s poetry?

Abigail Hussey’s storytelling skills, her participation in the Quaker community, and her advocacy for women’s rights influenced her son’s poetry significantly. Whittier credited his mother’s storytelling skills as the reason why he became interested in poetry. Her participation in the Quaker community exposed Whittier to ideas such as equality and justice, themes that became prevalent in his poetry. Furthermore, Abigail’s resilience and determination were also a source of inspiration for Whittier and are evident in his tribute to his mother, “Telling the Bees.”

Q. What is John Greenleaf Whittier known for?

John Greenleaf Whittier is known for his poetry, which dealt with social issues such as abolitionism, women’s rights, and slavery. He wrote numerous poems, including “Snowbound,” “The Barefoot Boy,” and “Maud Muller.” Whittier’s poetry was characterized by its simple, straightforward style and its ability to evoke emotions and capture the essence of the American experience.

Q. How did Abigail Hussey contribute to the family legacy?

Abigail Hussey’s contribution to the family legacy is often overlooked, but her influence on her son, John Greenleaf Whittier, was significant. She influenced Whittier’s poetry through her storytelling skills, her participation in the Quaker community, and her advocacy for women’s rights. Abigail’s resilience and determination were also a source of inspiration for Whittier and are evident in his tribute to his mother, “Telling the Bees.”

Q. What is Abigail Hussey’s legacy?

Abigail Hussey’s legacy is her dedication to her family, her community, and social justice issues. Her influence on her son, John Greenleaf Whittier, and his poetry is significant. Abigail’s resilience, determination, and advocacy for women’s rights make her a trailblazer and a role model for future generations.