Emma B. Dunham

Emma B. Dunham (, Sargent; pen names, various, including Leoline; August 21, 1826 – September 14, 1910) was an American poet and teacher of the long nineteenth century. She began writing for publication when very young, and continued to write for newspapers and magazines throughout her life. Some of her work was republished in Europe.

Early life and education Eunice Emma Bedelia Sargent was born in Minot, Maine, August 21, 1826. (According to Griffith (1888), Emma was born August, 25, 1825; She changed pen names often, dreading to have the public know her as an author, until, after years of success, she gained courage to use her own name.) Her writings consisted largely of poetry, but also included sketches on natural history, essays, letters of travel, and stories for children. Some of her songs were set to music. "Margaret, a Home Opera in Six Acts", is one of the best of her poetic productions. It was brought out in 1875. Her poems appeared in the Portland Transcript, Press, Argus, Boston Journal, Louie's Repository, and many other well-known publications. For years, she was a regular contributor to the religious papers of the Universalist denomination.

Personal life She married Rufus Dunham, of Westbrook, Maine, August 25, 1845, a manufacturer of Britannia and silver-plated ware. They had three sons and two daughters. Four other children died young.

At Dunham's suggestion, the All Souls Universalist Church was organized in 1881, she becoming one of the original members.

Dunham eventually moved to Deering, Maine, and died there September 14, 1910. She was buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Portland.