Julia Ward Howe (27 May 1819 – 17 October 1910) was an American social activist, abolitionist and poet. She wrote several books and works of poetry. Her first book was an anonymous work of poetry that came out in 1854. It was titled "Passion-Flowers". In November 1861 she wrote the song "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". Howe also focused on women's suffrage and pacifism. Howe was born in New York. She died from pneumonia at age ninety-one in Rhode Island.