Pittsford
Area Schools
9304
Hamilton
Pittsford,
MI 49271
517-523-3481
William McKendree Carleton
Will Carleton was born in a farmhouse near
Hudson, Michigan on October 21, 1845. Carleton was the youngest of five kids.
His family was a farming family and of the Methodist religion.
Will wrote his first poem at the age of 13
entitled "Dying Indian Chief." He quit school for one year in 1857,
to help his father. He also tried to join the army when he was 16, but they
wouldn't allow him to do so.
After being rejected from the Army, he
decided to enroll at Hillsdale College in the summertime. His science courses
weren't challenging enough for him, and he became angry and began to teach at
Lang School. Fall came and Will decided to go back to Hillsdale College. He
joined Alpha Kappa Phi which was a literary and debate team.
In 1868, he wrote the poem "Fax."
In 1869, he gave the commencement speech that was very poetic and was entitled
"Rifts of the Cloud." In 1871, he wrote his first book entitled
"Poems" which was dedicated to his mom and dad. Will then became the
editor and manager of the Hilldsdale Weekly Business paper. Later, he became
the book reviewer and editor for the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune.
His most famous poem "Over the Hill to
the Poorhouse" was published in the Toledo Blade, later in Harper's Weekly
and then 3 months later Harper's published the famous poem, which also was made
into a silent movie. He referred to this poem as "Bettsy." A lady by
the name of Mrs.Emerson stepped forward and declared that "Bettsy"
was hers and that he had stole it from her. Will bought room in the
"Advertiser" and told his side of the story, he never heard from
Mrs.Emerson again.
From 1873-1881 Harper's published 3 volumes
of his poems called "Farm Series." In 1876, he moved to Boston and
invited his mom along too. In 1882, he married Adora Hiles Goodweel and then
moved to New York City. Between 1885-1892 "City Series" was
published. Will then made a magazine entitled "Everywhere".
"Everywhere" stayed in publication for 18 years.
On November 9, 1904 Adora died of a stroke.
On October 26, 1907 he moved back to Michigan for a special homecoming.
Thousands of people gathered at his home. Trains made special stops throughout
the day so people could make a visit to Will. In December of 1912 Carleton
began a lecture tour. Will came down with bronchitis, but didn't give up until,
he had no other choice. Carleton developed bronchial pneumonia and then fell
into a coma. Unfortunately, Will died the next day.
Papers nationwide covered his life story, and
printed his poems, famous or not, they were most likely printed somewhere. When
Will died, it became known that his net worth was less than $5,000. His funeral
was at his home at 444 Greene Avenue, he is buried next to Adora in the
Greenwood Cemetery.
Will Carleton was a very courageous, funny
and caring man. He was extremely determined, as most should be able to tell. He
contributed many things such as his wonderful poems, and he was looked up to
and idolized by almost all. In Michigan there is a Will Carleton Day (October
21), that at one time teachers were required to either teach about him, visit
something of his, or just read one of his poems in class.