Paul Laurence Dunbar by Ansley Willis

Born

Jun 27, 1872

I was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Joshua and Matilda Dunbar.

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Period: Jun 27, 1872 to Feb 9, 1906

Divorce

Apr 1, 1873

My parents seperated and divorced. It was a tragic thing for me, but I soon got over it.

First Poem

Apr 6, 1878

I wrote my first poem called "An Easter Ode".

My Brother Dies

Aug 16, 1885

My brother died on this here day, it seems that everyone I love is somehow going away.

My First Published Poem

Jun 8, 1888

My first published poem came out, it's called "Our Martyred Solidiers."

Highschool

Aug 27, 1889

I started highschool today.

Highschool Experience

Jun 6, 1891

I graduated from highschool today. I was class president, and class poet. I made the class song for graduation day. My buddy Orville Wright, who graduated with me, said it was pretty good.

First Book

Apr 7, 1893

I self-published my first book of poems today, it is entitled Oak and Ivy. I was selling them for $1 in the elevator, because I had to find something else to do while on the job.

Engagement

Apr 7, 1897

I am now officially engaged to Alice Ruth Moore. I also started my job at the Library of Congress.

Marriage

Mar 6, 1898

I married Alice today. She is the joy of my life. I have also published two books, and I resigned from Congress, so that I could spend all my time writing.

Divorce

Apr 7, 1902

Alice decided that it was best if we seperate and go our own ways. I think it's because I am often sick, and my tuberculosis is getting worse.

Sickness

Apr 7, 1903

My health is slowly declining, my pneumonia is getting worse.

Return to Dayton

Apr 7, 1904

I returned to Dayton to live with my sickly mother.

Death

Feb 9, 1906

I died in Dayton today. You can find and visit me at Woodland Cemetary in Dayton, if you want of course.