Profile of the Day: Walt Whitman

Posted May 31, 2022 by Amanda | No Comment

On May 31, 1819, Walt Whitman, one of America’s most influential poets, was born in West Hills, New York.

Image: Walt Whitman / Library of Congress

The second of nine children, Whitman was nicknamed “Walt” to distinguish him from his father, Walter Whitman, Sr. His parents held great admiration for their country, even naming three of Whitman’s brothers after American leaders: Andrew Jackson, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Whitman stopped his formal schooling at the age of 11 and took on a series of odd jobs throughout his life, including work as a typesetter, teacher and government clerk. He was best known for his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was seen as very controversial in its time.

Whitman died on March 26, 1892 after suffering from bronchial pneumonia. A public viewing of his body was held at his home, where it was reported that over a thousand people visited in just three hours. He was buried in his tomb at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, New Jersey.

Did you know that Whitman also volunteered as a nurse during the American Civil War?

Explore Walt Whitman’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related!