Phillis Wheatley: A Brief Biography
Phillis Wheatley was born on May 8th, 1753 in West Africa. She was kidnapped and then sold into slavery. John Wheatley, a Boston tailor, purchased her. Originally bought as a servant and attendant to Mrs. Wheatley, she was accepted into the family and raised with the Wheatley’s other two children. The Wheatley’s recognized her talents and encouraged her learning. She learned to read and write English at age nine, and began writing poetry at thirteen. Because of the remarkable speed of her learning she was taught Greek and Latin, and was reading passages from the bible. Three English poets had a strong influence on her, they were known as Milton, Pope, and Gray. Her poetry was published during her lifetime, which was rare for any poet, let alone