Origins & Early Life

Jean Margaret Laurence (née Wemyss; July 18, 1926 – January 5, 1987) was a Canadian novelist and short story writer, and is one of the major figures in Canadian literature. She was also a founder of the Writers' Trust of Canada, a non-profit literary organization that seeks to encourage Canada's writing community. Margaret Laurence was born Jean Margaret Wemyss on 18 July 1926 in Neepawa, Manitoba, the daughter of solicitor Robert Wemyss and Verna Jean Simpson. She was known as "Peggy" during her childhood.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Her mother died when she was four, after which a maternal aunt, Margaret Simpson, came to take care of the family. A year later Margaret Simpson married Robert Wemyss, and in 1933 they adopted a son, Robert. In 1935, when Laurence was nine, Robert Wemyss Sr. died of pneumonia. Laurence then moved into her maternal grandfather's home with her stepmother and brother.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She lived in Neepawa until she was 18. In 1944, Laurence attended Winnipeg's United College, an arts and theology college associated with the University of Manitoba, that later became the University of Winnipeg. Before attending, she applied for academic scholarships...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdus Salam — Contemporary (Born in 1926) (1926): Pioneering Pakistani theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate.
• Alfredo Di Stéfano — Contemporary (Born in 1926) (1926): Argentine and Spanish legend, 'The Blond Arrow,' pivotal to Real Madrid's golden era.
• Allen Ginsberg — Contemporary (Born in 1926) (1926): Pioneering American poet, central figure of the Beat Generation, known for 'Howl'.
• Aaron Carter — Contemporary (Born in 1987) (1987): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Alexander Gustafsson — Contemporary (Born in 1987) (1987): Swedish mixed martial artist known for his elite Light Heavyweight contender status in the UFC.
• Alice Rahon — Contemporary (Died in 1987) (1987): French-born Mexican poet and painter whose work bridged surrealism and abstraction.
• Antoine Watteau — Shared historical date (07-18 · Died) (1721): Pioneering Rococo master, credited with inventing the genre of fêtes galantes.
• Benito Juárez — Shared historical date (07-18 · Died) (1872): Pioneering Indigenous President of Mexico, champion of Liberal reforms and the Republic.
• Alfred Brendel — Shared historical date (01-05 · Born) (1931): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.
• Amelia Earhart — Shared historical date (01-05 · Died) (1939): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• 1926 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1926
• July 18 (07-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 18
• 1987 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1987
• January 5 (01-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 5