Elizabeth Susan MacLeod (23 February 1842 – 15 January 1939) was a Scottish-born Canadian poet, called the "Island Poetess" in reference to her adopted home, Prince Edward Island.
Early life and education Elizabeth Susan MacQueen was born in Edinburgh, the daughter of Martin MacQueen and Sophia (or Susan) E. Treherne MacQueen. She attended Bishop's School in Dundee.Elizabeth Susan MacLeod. Canada’s Early Women Writers, 18 May 2018. Career MacLeod was known as the "Island Poetess", for her strong identification with Prince Edward Island after immigrating to marry in 1878. Her foray into historical fiction, Donalda (1905), was considered less successful than her patriotic poetry. "She has written some fair verse, but it is quite clear that she knows little of prose," commented a review in The Canadian Magazine. Publications Carols of Canada (1893, poetry) "Alexander MacKenzie" (1900, poem) For the Flag; or, Lays and Incidents of the South African War (1901, poetry and nonfiction)MacLeod, Elizabeth S. For the Flag; or, Lays and Incidents in the South African War (1901), via Electric Scotland. Donalda, A Scottish-Canadian Story (1905, novel) "The Olden Flag" (1907, poem)
Personal life MacQueen married her second cousin, Alexander D. MacLeod, a customs official based on Prince Edward Island. They had sons Victor and Hugh. Her husband died in 1907, and she died in 1939, at age 96, in Charlottetown."Elizabeth S. MacLeod; Poet of Prince Edward Island Dies at the Age of 97" The New York Times (January 16, 1939): 15. References