School Address: 256 Concord St Haverhill MA 1830
School District: Haverhill
County: Essex County
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John Greenleaf Whittier was a prominent American Quaker poet and abolitionist, known for his involvement in the anti-slavery movement and his poetry that highlighted social issues and advocated for justice. By 1830, Whittier was living in his birthplace, Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he began his career as a poet and journalist. Although his family was not wealthy, Whittier managed to get an education with the support and encouragement of his family and friends. He began writing and submitting poems to local newspapers. His early work caught the attention of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, who became a significant influence on Whittier’s life, motivating him to actively engage in the abolitionist cause. In 1830, Whittier would have been balancing his early literary endeavors with his responsibilities on the family farm, while becoming increasingly involved in social reform movements. The address 256 Concord Street is significant as it marks his connection to his hometown, where he spent his formative years and laid the groundwork for his future contributions to literature and social movements.