The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-12-18

a
why marvel he's Maynard, sweet, tender and
dear.
Another of Mr.. Biddle's poems that
seems to me 10 be more beautiful than the
one Just quoted is entitled The Angel and
the Child
saw child-a lovely flower
Spring 10 the summers breath
looked again; twas but an hour
And 10, twas laid IN death
] asked an angel why -.
Why such to earth was gwen
The angel said, They spring below
But have their bloom in heaven"
Mr.. B. resides in beautiful home on an
island in the Wabash river near Logans-
port. After life of busy cares, old age
finds him honored and loved by his
friends, whose number is legion. Such a
life is worthy OF imitation.
"E Pluribus Unum" is one of the most
noted American poems, ranking in popu-
larity with THE Star Spangled Banner
and Home, Sweet Home" The author
OF this patriotic poem, George w.
cutter, is an Indianian, not by birth, but
by adoption. He was born in Kentucky
in 1919 and was educated in his native
state. He did not receive a college educa-
ton, but his native genius made up for
has lack of classical learning. He was a
lawyer, soldier and statesman by turns.
AT one time he was a member OF the H.
diana legislature. But his ability as a
lawyer, valOr as a soldier and success as
statesman have long since been forgotten
he Is remembered as a poet. Next to
''E Pluribus Unum' his most popular
poem is Song of Steam, a poem that
will live as long as steam is used as
motor. Another poem of almost equal
merit IS "Song of Lightning" from which
we quote the following lines
Away away through the sightless air,
Stretch forth your iron thread,
FOR would not dim my sandals fair
with the dust We tamey tread.
lcannot toll, like the grOaning slave
You have fettered with iron skill,
To ferry you over the bOundess wave,
Or grind in the noisy mill.
No! no. I'm the spirit OF light and lovei
To my unseen hand It's given
To pencil the ambrient clouds above,
And polish the stars Of heaven;
To scatter the golden rays of fire.
On the horizon far below,
To deck the clouds where storms expire
With my red and dazzling glow.
Amanda L. Ruter Dufour is a native
Hoosier. She was born in Jacksonville
in 1922 and was educated in the schools OF
that city. which has always been her
home. She began to write at an early
age and has probably written as much
verse as any other Indiana writer. Her
poems are remarkable for their grace OF
expression and purity of thought. Al
though none of her poems have become
general favOrites, yet they attracted much
attention at the time Of publication and
are still excellent reading. Her poem en-
titled "Reveries" is very beautiful-beau-
tlful IN thought, sentiment and diction.
The following will give some idea of the
poem:
In the twilight am sitting,
Dreamily,
Der my soul are phantoms fitting
MOarnfully;
And the winds without are signing,
And within dark shadows lying,
And my restless heart keeps thrObbing
To the night wind sobbing sobbing,
Piaintiyely.
Siren songs of days departed
Fill the air,
Ere grew weary heated,
Dark with care,
Ere the glorious wings OF trust
Had trailed earthward 70 the dust;
And the halcyOn days we're gone
Ger which loves summer shone,
Warm and fair.
There are several other writer's that
should be mentioned here, but space viii
permit us to notice only few more
Peter Fish Reed, author of -Four De
grees of Love-" Picture on the Walr' and
"Dollars and Dimes" was a native OF
Boston, but lived for several wears
in Indianapolis. The history of his life is
rather romantic. He played the role OF
doctor, farmer shoemaker, editor, house
and sign painter, photographer, music
teacher, artist and poet. Although incl
ancholy locked arms with him many
years ago, he still finds many joys which
make the burdens of life pleasant" Such
if the poets life-at least the life of one
poet.
Mary E. Nicely, the author of "The
Little Shoe" was born and educated in
Louisville, KY, but spent most of her life
in Indiana. She lived for some years in
the southern part of the state but after
ward moved TO Indianapolis She had
her share of the misfortunes of life, but
in spite of them all, her life was success
full. She is remembered as the author OF
'sThe Little Shoe" We give one stanza of
this popular poem:
found il here-a worn out shoe
All mildewed with time aud wet with dew;
Win never never thought nor S&V Tor G nor ssh
Yet it stirs in nay spirit hidden welL
The following should also be included
in the roster of early Indiana poets
Frances s. Lock. author OF 1.-THE
author Of %0nawequah," an Ind,
an tale: Mrs. Hettv A. Morrison. author.
Kitchen" and also of much fiil5 Sostry.
George York Welborn, student OF AsbuTy
university and author of "Noices of Other
Days." James Pummil, author OF "A Sum-
mer morning." Isaac H. Julian, author Of
s'Boone in the Wilderness" and 1.-The
Genius of the West" Sydney Dwyer, the
army drummer boy, who afterward became
a baptist minister, author of ''Song of the
Sun Beam and several hymns. All these
were writers of considerable merit, and
deserve much more extended notice than
we have given them here. But the reader
will find fuller account of these writers
in "Poets and Poetry of Indiana" soon tc
be published, by Benjamin 5. Parker OF
New Castle. j. W. CARR.
Muncie, Dec. -.
Motel desire to make these sketches OF
Indiana authors as reliable and accurate
as possible and as full as the limited space
will permit. | find it very difficult 10 OBJ