Susan Bogert Warner, born on July 11, 1819, in New York City. She remains a significant figure in 19th-century American literature. She is especially known for her novel The Wide, Wide World. She initially wrote under the pseudonym “Elizabeth Wetherell” and became a pioneering female author at a time when the literary field was overwhelmingly dominated by men. Her work is notable not only for its popularity during her lifetime but also for its emotional depth, its recounting and preservation of the daily challenges of historical life in the 19th-century early America, and her strong Christ centered characters. Her works have impacted and encouraged readers for generations but I only recently discovered her.
My introduction to Warner came about unexpectedly through a biography of another beloved Christian writer. While reading More Love to Thee: The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss by Sharon James, I encountered a mention of Elizabeth Prentiss visiting her writer friends, Susan Warner and her sister, Anna Warner who had penned the much beloved and well-known hymn “Jesus Loves Me.” This brief mention sparked a curiosity within me. Who was Susan Warner, and what were her writings like? Were they as an enjoyable as Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss? My discovery of Susan Warner and her works began there, and it has not disappointed as I have read book after book and recently dived into studying her life to learn more about the lady behind the pen. I was surprised to find out most of all her writings, except for The Wide, Wide World are all based on true events which made her novels even more endearing.
Susan Warner was born into a well-to-do family. Her father, Henry Warner, was a successful lawyer, and her mother, Anna Bartow, came from a prominent New York family. Susan received a robust education, typical of young women of her social standing, focusing on literature, languages, and the arts. However, the Warner family’s fortunes changed dramatically during the Panic of 1837, a financial crisis that led to significant losses for many families, including the Warners.
The financial hardship prompted Susan and her younger sister, Anna Bartlett Warner, to turn to writing to support their family. Susan’s debut novel and most famous work, The Wide, Wide World, was published in 1850 under the pseudonym “Elizabeth Wetherell.” The novel was an instant success, becoming the first American book to sell over a million copies. In doing so, it set the stage for other female writers, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose Uncle Tom’s Cabin would appear two years later.
Susan very effectively used her narratives to explore the interaction between Christian faith and everyday life, teaching biblical truth, the role of women, the nature and importance of virtue, resilience and sanctification through the power of narrative. Susan was a Presbyterian with Puritan ancestry which shines through her writing; although she was diligent in reading her bible, her conversion came later in the 1830’s. Her deep Christian convictions permeate her writing, providing a lens through which she examines moral and ethical dilemmas. Her characters often face significant hardships, and their faith is tested in ways that invite readers to reflect on their own spiritual beliefs. This aspect of her writing is particularly impactful, given her ability to weave complex theological discussions into accessible and engaging dialogue of her characters.
Susan Warner’s personal life was deeply intertwined with her faith. A devout Christian, her religious beliefs permeated her writings, infusing them with a sense of moral purpose and spiritual introspection. She and her sister Ann, who also found success as an author, lived on Constitution Island, near West Point, New York, for much of their lives. Here they taught Sunday School to cadets who requested the sisters to lead a bible study every Sunday at West Point Military Academy chapel. During the summers, these bible studies took place in their own home on Constitution Island, which was conveniently accessible by a brief boat trip from the Academy. Their home became a vital part of their legacy, embodying the principles they cherished and taught. For over 40 years, the sisters dedicated themselves to teaching the soldiers the Bible. In doing so, they both became beloved figures in the military community. Their contributions to the West Point community were substantial. In recognition of their significant contribution, Susan and her sister Ann are the only female civilians buried in the renowned West Point Cemetery.
Susan Warner passed away on March 17, 1885, leaving behind a continuing family legacy of faithfulness and spiritual influence that outshines her literary legacy. Her life and work continues to inspire readers to live a life that honors God above all. Both Susan and Ann Warner’s lives are rich and worthy to be remembered. If you haven’t yet explored Warner’s writings, I highly encourage you to do so. Her novels are not just stories; they are lessons in faith, perseverance, and the daily practice and disciplines of true religion and faith.
