Lillian Rozell Messenger

Lillian Rozell Messenger (, Rozell; pen name, Zena Clifton; c. 1843 or 1853 – October 1, 1921) was an American poet from Kentucky. Among her first acknowledged poems were those brought out in a volume entitled, Threads of fate, 1872. Other volumes included Fragments from an old inn, 1885; The Vision of gold, 1886; and The Southern Cross, 1891. "Columbus" was read by Governor John Wesley Hoyt of Wyoming Territory during the patriotic celebration at the Woman's Building, World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1893. In the heart of America, was read at the Cotton States and International Exposition, in Atlanta, 1895. Messenger contributed many poems to the Louisville Journal, Memphis papers, and the New York Home Journal. Her most ambitious poems were lengthy, narrative ones, with themes such as "Charlotte Corday" and "Penelope, the Wife of Ulysses". Messenger was one of the charter members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Early life and education Lillian T. Rozell was born in Kentucky (Milburn; or Millersburg or Ballard County are recorded) in 1843, 1844, or 1853. Her parents, Dr. Francis Overton and Caroline (Cole) Rozell, were Virginians. The father was a physician who was fond of poetry and music. Her paternal grandfather came from Nice, France, during the Napoleonic Wars and settled in Virginia. Her maternal ancestors were of English descent. All of her family were of a melancholy, sensitive, musical temperament; and Messenger was often and suddenly the victim of depressing melancholy. There were at least three siblings, including a sister, Virginia, and brothers, George and John.

There were several principal poetical works, including "Disappointment," "Importuning," and "Halloween". "Columbus; or, It Was Morning" was first read on July 4, 1893, before the Woman's Building Congresses of the World's Columbian Exposition. Messenger was also a successful dramatic reader.

Personal life She was one of the charter members of the DAR, and belonged to other patriotic and literary organizations. Music and painting were her favored recreations.

Lillian Rozell Messenger died in Washington, D.C., on October 1, 1921.

Selected works 1873, Threads of Fate 1885, Fragments from an Old Inn 1886, The Vision of Gold and Other Poems 1891, The Southern cross and other poems 1896, In the heart of America (Richmond, VA, J. L. Hill Company) 1906, The Heroine of the Hudson: (and Other Poems) 1914, Martha Sawyer Gielow ... A brief resumé of her achievements as author, dramatic reader, and founder of the Southern Industrial Educational Association,