Martha Capps Oliver

Martha Capps was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, August 27, 1845. Her father, Joseph Capps, was the son of a Kentucky slave-owner, a kind master, but so strong was the son's abhorrence of wrongs of any nature, that he refused to profit by what he thought was an inhuman institution, and sought a free State in which to establish himself in business. He located in Jacksonville, and there, he was married to Miss Sarah Ann Higgins Reid.[1] Oliver had four brothers, Stephen (1838–1914), William (1842–1896), Joseph (1851–1921), and Charles (1854–1928).

Oliver was educated in the Illinois Female College, where she took high rank in her studies, early showing a talent for composition. From her father, she inherited an aptitude for versification and a temperament which was quick to receive impressions.[1]

"Little Candles", lyrics by Martha Oliver, score by Charles H. Gabriel

"Little Candles" (chorus), lyrics by Martha Oliver, score by Charles H. Gabriel

Soon after her graduation, she married William A. Oliver (1841-1904). Some of her verses soon found their way into print. They met with such appreciation that she finally began to write for publication. A number of her poems were used in England for illustrated booklets. As a writer, she was quite as kindly received there as in America. In collaboration with Ida Scott Taylor McKinney, she published several juvenile books in verse, entitled The Story of Columbus, In Slavery Days, and The Far West. She also gave some attention to sacred song and hymn writing. Oliver was skilled in all the arts of home-making and was an active church member.[1] She died August 15, 1917, in Jacksonville, and was buried at Diamond Grove Cemetery in that city.

• "Keep your covenant with Jesus", 1883? (hymn)[2]
• A year of sacred song : with selections in prose from sources old and new, 1895
• A year's good wishes in prose and poetry, 1895
• Round the year with poets, 1900

• Works by or about Martha Capps Oliver at Internet Archive