Elizabeth Madox Roberts

Biography

Elizabeth Madox Roberts was born October 30, 1881 in Perryville, KY. She was the second of eight children born to Simpson Roberts and Mary Elizabeth Brent Roberts. Her father was a former confederate soldier turned surveyor/engineer while her mother taught school. In 1884, the family moved to nearby Springfield, KY which would remain their home, providing influence and inspiration for many of Elizabeth's literary works.

Elizabeth's education was interspersed with periods of ill health that would plague her most of her life. She attended high school in Covington, KY from 1886 - 1900. Immediately following, she enrolled in the University of KY but had to withdraw after only one semester. Elizabeth returned home and began teaching in various locations around the county with her mother for the next ten years. From 1910 to 1916, she lived with her sister Lel in Colorado where she wrote and privately published a volume of poetry In the Great Steep's Garden. In 1917, Elizabeth enrolled at the University of Chicago at the age of 36. She joined the poetry club where she formed associations with Glenway Wescott, Monroe Wheeler, Janet Lewis and Yvor Winters. This circle of influence would serve her well in the future. After receiving her degree, Elizabeth returned home to Springfield to begin a twenty year writing career. (see literary works)

1936, Elizabeth's health began to further deteriorate and she was diagnosed with Hodgkins' Disease. She spent her winters in Florida and died in Orlando on March 13, 1941. (see obituary page 1) (see obituary page 2) She is buried in Springfield Cemetery next to her parents, on the hill where she played as a child.