Ferguson, Elizabeth Graeme (1737–1801)

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Ferguson, Elizabeth Graeme (1737–1801)

American poet. Name variations: Elizabeth Graeme, Elizabeth Ferguson or Fergusson; (pseudonym) Laura. Born Elizabeth Graeme, Feb 3, 1737, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; died Feb 23, 1801, near Philadelphia; dau. of Thomas (physician) and Ann (Diggs) Graeme; m. Henry Hugh Ferguson (also seen as Fergusson), April 21, 1772; children: raised her niece, poet Anna Young Smith (1756–1780).

Was engaged to William Franklin (c. 1757–59), son of Benjamin Franklin, but did not marry, partly due to political differences; visited London, met prominent literary and scientific personalities, and kept travel journal (1764–65); having gained a literary reputation based on her travel journal and a translation of Fénelon's "Telemachus," held a weekly literary salon; composed "Hymn on the Charms of Creation" (1766) and metrical version of Psalms; though a moderate Whig, faced problems during Revolutionary War due to husband's Loyalist leanings; endured severe financial reverses towards end of life.

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Ferguson, Elizabeth Graeme (1737–1801)

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