John Greenleaf Whittier passed away on September 17, 1892.   But before he did he left quite a legacy behind for future generations to learn from and treasure.

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’

This American Quaker poet and abolitionist is included among the Fireside Poets and was deeply influenced by Robert Burns.  Whittier is remember especially for his anti-slavery writings as well as his book, Snowbound.

You may read a handful of selections of his poetry beginning here:

http://www.bartleby.com/42/796.html

One of his finest poems, Maud Muller, can be heard in audiobook format here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbe1a2qg3yY&t=106s