Anne Bradstreet

http://www.annebradstreet.com/anne_bradstreet_bio_001.htm

In 1612, Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton, England, to the parents Thomas Dudley and Dorothy Yorke. She “was a well educated girl, tutored in history, several languages and literature…” (Biography) At 16 she was married to 25 year old Simon Bradstreet. In 1630, her along with her family emigrated to America. The three month journey was difficult for Anne due to the harsh living conditions and bad weather. Anne's father and husband along with
“John Winthrop made up the Boston settlement's government.” (Biography) Even after arriving, Anne still found it difficult to adapt. She became ill after suffering from paralysis, but this didn't hold back Anne in living a happy life. Once her and her husband settled down and had their house made, they had 8 children, whom she much loved and cared for. One tragic night, the Bradstreet home caught fire and the family was left homeless. Soon after they got back on their feet and went on about their lives. Simon Bradstreet was always traveling due to his political duties. Because of this, Anne always found herself at home with the children. In her past time she read her fathers books and taught her children. Poetry was her one of her passions. "She wrote for herself, her family, and close circle of educated friends, and did not intend on publication." (Biography) Her work was secretly copied by her brother-in-law and published in England, where it did quite well. Her poetry was influenced by her life experiences, religion, and her vast love for her family and husband. She was a free minded thinker and an early feminist. Her health weakened after being struck with tuberculosis. Short after, she lost her daughter to illness. Ann kept strong and her acceptance of death said her daughter to be in a better place. On September 16, 1672, at age 60, in Andover, Massachusetts, she passed away.