African-American poet and abolitionist. From age 17, she composed and published numerous poems and articles for the Liberator under the names of "Magawisca" and "Ada". At least one of her poems, "The Grave of the Slave," was set to music by Black band leader Frank Johnson. She married Joseph Purvis in 1838. When he died in 1857, Sarah moved with her children to the Forten family home.
African-American poet and abolitionist. From age 17, she composed and published numerous poems and articles for the Liberator under the names of "Magawisca" and "Ada". At least one of her poems, "The Grave of the Slave," was set to music by Black band leader Frank Johnson. She married Joseph Purvis in 1838. When he died in 1857, Sarah moved with her children to the Forten family home.
Gravesite Details
Originally buried in Saint Thomas Protestant Episcopal Churchyard, Fifth and Adelphia Sts., Philadelphia.
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