Born in present-day Gambia around 1753; little is known of Phillis Wheatley's early life. When 7 or 8 years old; she was kidnapped and shipped from the Gambia to Boston; her purchasers named her Phillis after the ship that brought her to Massachusetts.

Living in their household as a servant; she was permitted to learn to read; and not long after began writing poetry; her first published poem appeared in 1767. She left no account of her life in Africa or the middle passage; and her life ended sadly in Boston in 1784. Her portrait was made when she was about 20 years old. Pictures From History