Julia Ward Howe

Early Life and Education

Julia Ward Howe was born on May 27, 1819, in New York City, the fourth of seven children in a prominent family. Her father, Samuel Ward III, was a Wall Street stockbroker and a strict Calvinist Episcopalian, while her mother, Julia Rush Cutler Ward, was a poet who tragically died during childbirth when Julia was just five years old. Raised in a well-educated environment, Julia was tutored privately and attended schools for young ladies, where she developed a love for literature and the arts. Her brother's connections allowed her to meet influential figures like Charles Dickens and Margaret Fuller, further enriching her intellectual pursuits.

Career

Howe's literary career began before her marriage, with her first volume of poetry, "Passion-Flowers," published anonymously in 1853. She continued to write essays, plays, and poetry, often reflecting her struggles within her marriage to Samuel Gridley Howe, a physician and reformer. Despite her husband's disapproval of her writing, she produced significant works, including the famous "Battle Hymn of the Republic," which she wrote as new lyrics to the song "John Brown's Body." Her advocacy for social issues, particularly women's suffrage and abolitionism, was also a hallmark of her career.

Personal Life

In 1843, Julia married Samuel Gridley Howe, with whom she had six children. Their marriage was fraught with difficulties, as her husband often undermined her creative efforts. Despite this, she managed to raise her children while pursuing her writing and activism. Howe's life was marked by her commitment to social causes, and she became a Unitarian by 1841, reflecting her evolving beliefs.

Legacy

Julia Ward Howe passed away on October 17, 1910, at the age of 91. Her contributions to literature and social activism left a lasting impact, celebrated at her memorial service where attendees sang her iconic hymn. Posthumously, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and honored with a U.S. Postal Service stamp. Her legacy continues through various institutions named in her honor, including schools and historical sites, ensuring her influence endures in American culture.