Amelia B. Coppuck Welby
Amelia B. Coppuck Welby
Amelia B. Coppuck Welby, born in St. Michaels in 1819, was a celebrated 19th-century poet known for her lyrical and romantic verse. Writing under the pen name Minstrel-girl, her poetry gained national recognition, with her 1845 collection Poems by Amelia earning praise—even from Edgar Allan Poe. Though her life was brief, her work remains a beautiful part of Talbot County’s literary history.
Amelia B. Coppuck Welby, known by her pen name Minstrel-girl, was a celebrated 19th-century American poet whose melodic verses and vivid imagery captivated readers. Born on February 3, 1819, in St. Michaels, Maryland, she moved to Baltimore in her youth before settling in Louisville, Kentucky. There, she became a widely recognized literary figure, publishing poetry that resonated deeply with the romantic and sentimental traditions of her time.
A Poet’s Rise to Fame
Amelia began publishing poetry in the Louisville Daily Journal, under the mentorship of editor George D. Prentice. Her work quickly gained widespread recognition, leading to the 1845 publication of Poems by Amelia, which became an instant success, running through multiple editions. Writing under the simple signature "Amelia," she drew praise for her rhythmic flow and emotional depth.
Her poetry often explored themes of nature, love, death, and spirituality, showcasing a deep appreciation for the natural world and the transient beauty of life. One of her most well-known poems, "The Rainbow," captures her signature lyrical style:
I sometimes have thoughts, in my loneliest hours,
That lie on my heart like the dew on the flowers,
Of a ramble I took one bright afternoon
When my heart was as light as a blossom in June.
Welby's work was widely read and admired, even earning the attention of literary figures like Edgar Allan Poe, who praised her musicality while also critiquing a lack of originality in her style.
A Literary Life Cut Short
In 1838, Amelia married George H. Welby, a successful Louisville businessman. Their home became a cultural gathering place for writers and artists of the time. Tragically, her life was cut short on May 3, 1852, just two months after giving birth to her only child. Despite her early passing, her poetic legacy endures.
Poetic Legacy
Amelia’s writing remains a testament to the literary spirit of the 19th century, preserving a voice that was deeply introspective and reflective of her era. Her poem "Twilight at Sea" beautifully conveys her ability to paint scenes with words:
The twilight hours, like birds, flew by,
As lightly and as free;
Ten thousand stars were in the sky,
Ten thousand in the sea;
For every wave, with dimpled crest,
That leaped upon the air,
Had caught a star in its embrace,
And held it trembling there.
Learn More
To explore more about Amelia B. Coppuck Welby and her poetry, check out these resources: