Overshadowed Poet Whittier's Fame

1910

Thrifty Fellow-Citizen of Whittier Pointed Out Blot on His Memory

Will Carleton, in a speech before the Writer's club, related the following reminiscence of a visit to the poet Whittier's old home:

"I was billed to lecture one evening at the town which had been for long years the home of the Good Quaker poet. Just before I went over to the hall, a thrifty-looking citizen accosted me.

"Will you probably say anything in praise of Mr. Whittler, tonight?" he asked, after a few general remarks.

"Why, yes," I replied, "I had thought of referring to him, and in a very complimentary way. I have read, admired, and revered him, all my life, and it will he a privilege, here in his own town, to add my humble tribute to that of the world at large."

"Well, that's all right," responded the thrifty-looking citizen," and we've no objection in particular, to your doing so; but you mustn't be disappointed if you don't get any applause with it."

"Why?" I inquired. "Was he not idolized here — is not his memory held in veneration? Has he not advertised this town all over the world?"

"Well, perhaps so," was the reply, "but after he died, we found out that he wasn't paying taxes enough on what property he owned, and, don't you see, it has kind of made him unpopular."