biographical statement

John Greenleaf Whittier's sister. Throughout her life she remained Whittier’s closest companion. She had always been closest to him in temperament and interests; and from the earliest days in Amesbury she hd served as Whittier’s hostess and intimate companion. She read and criticized his work, supported his abolitionist stance, delighted him by her wit and clever social presence (which contrasted with his more withdrwn manner and cold demeanor in larger groups). She loved the countryside and nature as he did, and together they shared a similar wide circle of friends. Her sympathy and understanding had always been his bulwark during the trying times of the abolitionist crusade.

Elizabeth’s death in 1864 brought Whittier his deepest emotional loss.

Lucy Larcom, through frequent visits with the Whittiers, became a close friend and correspondent of Elizabeth's. She, too, mourned Elizabeth's death.

Citation:

Found in 1 Collection or Record: