1864: Caroline Atherton Mason
A long time Fitchburg resident and poet that rose to prominence as a contributor for abolitionist’ newspapers the Liberator, the National Era, and others. Caroline’s song titled “The Army to the People” in March 1864, supported the US Army as a force for the abolitionists’ cause, equating a northern victory to “Freedom for all who are weak and oppressed.” Mason’s influential writing helped spread Fitchburg’s abolitionist ethos throughout the country.
Resources
The City and the River by Doris Kirkpatrick
Poem in the National ERA November 24, 1853
Poem in the National ERA March 16, 1854
Announcement of marriage in the National ERA November 10, 1853
Commentary
Caroline’s army song became very influential and widely known.
Suggestions for Further Research
Find where the army song was first published and find references to it in other papers.