Henry Wadsworth Longfellow had two wives during his lifetime. His first wife was Mary Storer Potter, whom he married in 1831. Their marriage was marked by tragedy, as Mary died in 1835 just a few years after their wedding, following complications from a miscarriage. Longfellow was deeply affected by her death.
In 1843, he remarried to Frances Elizabeth Appleton, and together they had six children. Frances was a significant influence on Longfellow’s work, and their relationship was described as loving and supportive. Sadly, Frances passed away in a tragic accident in 1861, which once again had a profound impact on Longfellow.
In summary, Longfellow’s personal life was shaped by both joy and sorrow through his two marriages, and these experiences often reflected in his poetry.