John Greenleaf Whittier died today – 115 years ago

U.S. writer John Greenleaf Whittier was born on December 17, 1807 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He said, “For all sad words of tongue and pen, The saddest are these, 'It might have been'." [But for this or that or the other.]... Mr. Whittier died in 1892 in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.

English writer Hannah More was born on February 2, 1745 in Fishponds, England. She said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." [Amen!]... Ms. More died in 1833 in Bristol, England.

U.S. senator (Illinois) Everett Dirksen was born on January 4, 1896 in Pekin, Illinois. He said, “A billion here, a billion there—pretty soon it adds up to real money." [Has this been revised to a trillion?]... Mr. Dirksen died in 1969 in Washington, D.C.

English historian A.J.P. Taylor was born on March 25, 1906 in Birkdale, England. He said, “Like most of those who study history, he [Napoleon III] learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones." [Fill in the blank.]... Mr. Taylor died in 1990 in London, England.