Markham, Edwin (1852-1940) Also known as: Markham, Charles Edward Anson (1852-1940)

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Edwin Markham to Jane Addams, December 29, 1903

Protest Against Antisemitism, ca. February 3, 1921 (excerpt)

Old Glory: The Flag of Hope for World Peace, 1915

Sara Jane Lincoln to Jane Addams, January 12, 1916

Liberty Defense Union List, March 7, 1918

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Birth Date

1852-04-23

Death Date

1940-03-07

Birthplace

Oregon City, OR

Biographical Text

Originally Charles Edward Anson Markham, Markham adopted his more known name, Edwin, around 1895. He studied literature at California College as well as San Jose State Normal School. It was while serving as principal of the Tompkins Observation School in Oakland, California that he met many of his poetic contemporaries. Markham's most famous poem was "The Man with the Hoe", inspired by L'homme à la houe, a painting by Jean-François Millet. His poem "Lincoln" was also one of 250 chosen to be read at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial. Between lectures and poem readings, he also wrote essays and nonfiction prose and the Poetry Society of America, which he established in 1910.

Markham first married Annie Cox in 1875, which later failed. He then married Caroline Bailey in 1887. After another failed marriage, Markham married Anna Catherine Murphy in 1998. Markham died in 1940.