Author: Sproat, Nancy
Biography:
SPROAT, Nancy, formerly DENNIS (1766-1827: findagrave.com)
pseudonym Goody Lovechild
Nancy Ann Dennis, daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Kirby) Dennis, was born in Newport RI. In 1788 she married James Sproat (1759-1825) of Middleborough MA, a lawyer. They settled in Taunton MA; he eventually became Clerk of the Courts for the district. They had twelve children of whom at least four grew up and married. Her prodigious career as a children's writer began with Ditties for Children (1813) and expanded to include prose tales and essays (notably Family Lectures, 1819). Her works were frequently reprinted, though only in the US during her lifetime: WorldCat records 29 editions in English of Stories for Children in Familiar Verse between 1813 and 1982, and 23 each of Ditties for Children and Poetic Tales for Children. Her husband predeceased her, having suffered from some form of dementia in his final months. She died of consumption. They are buried side by side in Taunton's Plain Cemetery. (findmypast.com 16 Oct. 2020; findagrave.com 16 Oct. 2020; Columbian Reporter [Taunton MA] 16 Nov. 1825) HJ
Other Names:
- Mrs. N. Sproat
- Mrs. Sproat
- N. Sproat