American Quaker poet and abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier (December 17, 1807 – September 7, 1892)  was heavily influenced by his religious faith and its emphasis on humanitarianism, compassion, and social responsibility. He dedicated over 20 years to the anti-slavery cause, was a founding member of the American Anti-Slavery Society and was a founder of the Liberty Party which later evolved into the Free Soil Party.

After the abolition of slavery in 1865, Whittier turned his attention from abolitionist poetry to writing other forms of poetry. A founding contributor of the Atlantic Monthly magazine, he is largely remembered for his poems “Barbara Frietchie”, “The Barefoot Boy”, and “Maud Muller” and the book Snow-Bound.

Today, numerous elementary, middle and high schools, bridges, towns and cities in the U.S. are named for Whittier as are Whittier College and Whittier Law School in California.