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Lives of the Poets: H Compiled by Nelson Miller Thomas Wentworth Higginson [December 22, 1823 -- May 9, 1911] American poet, essayist, biographer, historian, soldier, and Unitarian minister; left the ministry in 1858 to pursue full-time literary career; active abolitionist (was injured while personally involved in the escape to the North of one slave) and close friend of John Brown; served as Colonel of the first Union regiment composed of freed slaves until wounded; active supporter of women's rights; close friend of most important literary figures of 19th century; best known for his friendship with and championing of Emily Dickinson; edited the first published volume of her poetry in 1890.

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