Bryant, William Cullen (1794-1878)

US poet and literary figure. His most famous poem, ‘Thanatopsis’, was published 1817. He was co-owner and co-editor of the New York Evening Post 1829-78 and was involved in Democratic party politics. However, his resolute opposition to slavery converted him to Republicanism at the inception of the party 1856.

Born in Cummington, Massachusetts, Bryant briefly attended Williams College and was trained as a lawyer but throughout his life maintained a deep interest in poetry.