The Poets of Maine: Thankful Pitts Norcross Williamson. ----------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for profit or any form of presentation, must obtain the written consent of the file submitter, or his legal representative and then contact the listed USGENWEB archivist with proof of this consent. Transcribed and submitted by Tina Vickery TVick65536@aol.com 14:13 09/26/1999 ----------------------------------------------------- The Poets of Maine A Collection of Specimen Poems From Over Four Hundred Verse-Makers of the Pine Tree State With Biographical Sketches Compiled by George Bancroft Griffith Portland, Maine Elwell, Pickard & Company Transcript Job Print Edward Small Binder Copyright by Elwell, Pickard & Co 1888. page 251-252 Thankful Pitts Norcross Williamson. Thankful P. N. Williamson was born in Industry, Maine, Aug. 30, 1819 -- the youngest of six children. Her father died when she was nine years old, and the family removed to New Sharon, where her girlhood was spent. She early fitted herself for teaching and engaged in that occupation until here marriage, which occurred Aug. 30, 1847, when she married Wm. F. Williamson, who was also a successful teacher of common schools. During her girl- hood, she wrote occasionally in verse, and published some of her pieces over the sig- nature of "Viola." The Maine Farmer, a pager call the Repository, and an anti-slavery paper known as the Liberty Standard, were the papers where the most of her earlier pieces appeared. She wrote some spirited anti-slavery poems; but as she never regarded herself a poet, she took no pains to preserve or the publish her best things. She was especially apt in writing verses for donation parties, album quilts, etc. After her marriage she lived in New Sharon for many years, where her three daughters were born. In the spring of 1881, Mr. and Mrs. W. removed to Augusta with their youngest daughter, where they still reside. Their ruby wedding was celebrated Aug. 30, 1887. Mrs. Williamson has written occasionally for the Farmer, the Farmington Chron- icle and Gospel Banner within a few years, under the pseudonyme of "Laona." ----- THE SILVER LINING We know the stars are shining still, Though clouds obscure the sight, For we are sure the lofty sky Is bathed in azure light. Could we but feel, when sorrow comes, And trials bar the way, -- Beyond the darkness and the clouds There shines another day; -- We would not morn, though in our path Few blossoms seem to grow; Stern duty's call must be obeyed, -- Our Father wills it so. And when the summons we shall hear, Which sure to all must come, the "silver lining" we shall see In our eternal home.