Julia Ward Howe — American Activist born on May 27, 1819, died on October 17, 1910

Julia Ward Howe was a prominent American abolitionist, social activist, poet, and the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"... (wikipedia)

I know not why there is such a melancholy feeling attached to the remembrance of past happiness, except that we fear that the future can have nothing so bright as the past.
When the unwelcome little unborn shall have seen the light my brain will be lightened, and I shall have a clearer mind. Thank God that even this weary nine months shall come to an end and leave me in possession of my own body and my own soul.
The strokes of the pen need deliberation as much as the sword needs swiftness.
I am confirmed in my division of human energies. Ambitious people climb, but faithful people build.
I shall stick to my resolution of writing always what I think no matter whom it offends.