Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784)

"Phillis" is the name of the slave ship that brings you from Africa. You are given the last name of the
family who purchases you. The Wheatleys notice your intelligence and tutor you. You make a name publishing poetry in Boston newspapers. Your book of poems is published in London, where you travel to promote it. You are later freed, but are unable to publish more poetry. Impoverished and unhealthy,
you die in your 30s and are buried in an unmarked
grave.