National poet James Whitcomb Riley

riley had become wealthy time ended touring in 1895, , earning $1,000 week. although retired, continued make minor appearances. in 1896, riley performed 4 shows in denver. of performances of later life @ civic celebrations. regular speaker @ decoration day events , delivered poetry before unveiling of monuments in washington, d.c. newspapers began referring him national poet , poet laureate of america , , people s poet laureate . riley wrote many of patriotic poems such events, including soldier , name of old glory , , famous such poem, america! . 1902 poem america, messiah of nations written , read riley dedication of indianapolis soldiers , sailors monument.

the new poetry riley published after end of century elegies famous friends. poetic qualities of poems poor, contained many popular sentiments concerning deceased. among eulogized benjamin harrison, lew wallace, , henry lawton. because of poor quality of poems, friends , publishers requested stop writing them, refused.

in 1897, riley s publishers suggested create multi-volume series of books containing complete life works. of nephew, riley began working compile books, totaled sixteen volumes , completed in 1914. such works uncommon during lives of writers, attesting uncommon popularity riley had achieved.

his works had become staples ivy league literature courses , universities began offering him honorary degrees. first yale in 1902, followed doctorate of letters university of pennsylvania in 1904. wabash college , indiana university granted him similar awards. in 1908 elected member of national institute of arts , letters, , in 1912 conferred upon him special medal poetry.

riley influential in helping other poets start careers, having particularly strong influences on hamlin garland, william allen white, , edgar lee masters. discovered aspiring african american poet paul laurence dunbar in 1892. riley thought dunbar s work worthy of applause , , wrote him letters of recommendation him work published.