Vachel Lindsay

Vachel Lindsay (1879–1931) was an American poet born in Springfield, Illinois. He studied art before turning to poetry and became known for his "singing poetry," performed aloud with a chanting, rhythmic delivery, and for wandering the country on foot trading poems and pamphlets for food and lodging. "General William Booth Enters into Heaven" (1913) and "The Congo" (1914) made his name. He died in Springfield at fifty-two.