Introduction
Born: November 2, 1823, Salem, Massachusetts.
Died: September 10, 1901, Salem, Massachusetts
Buried: Old South Cemetery, Peabody, Massachusetts.
Born: November 2, 1823, Salem, Massachusetts.
Died: September 10, 1901, Salem, Massachusetts
Buried: Old South Cemetery, Peabody, Massachusetts.
Lydia was the daughter of Captain Jones and Lydia Very, and sister of Jones Very (same name as father).
She is remembered as a poet and children’s book author and illustrator. She published a volume of verses, and contributed other offerings to various Boston and Salem newspapers.
With her sister, Frances Eliza, she taught school in Salem for three decades.
Blest is the man, who for the poor
The light of knowledge sheds around;
Who sows broadcast the seeds of good
On barren or neglected ground.
Who raises up the ears of grain,
That worldliness hath trodden down;
And lo! they whiten all the plain!
And form the year’s bright golden crown.
Who trains the plants on Life’s highway,
That never knew a fostering hand;
And blossoms nod from every spray,
And send their fragrance o’er the land.
Who gathers up the common stones,
That lie unprized along Life’s shore;
And by his patient industry
Reveals at length the shining ore.
Blest is the man, who for the poor
The light of knowledge sheds around!
His seeds earth-sown shall
Heavenward spring,
And from his life rich fruits abound!
Lydia L. A. Very
Poems, 1856