Josephine Daskam Bacon | |
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 | |
| Born | (1876-02-17)February 17, 1876 Stamford, Connecticut, United States |
| Died | July 29, 1961(1961-07-29) (aged 85) Tannersville, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Novelist, short story writer |
| Genre | Realistic fiction |
Josephine Dodge Daskam, Mrs. Selden Bacon (February 17, 1876 – July 29, 1961) was a versatile American writer notable for female protagonists, women's issues, juvenile mysteries, poetry,[1] and a few nonfiction works. Herpen names include "Ingraham Lovell", "Josephine Dodge Daskam",[2] and "Josephine Daskam".[3]
Josephine Dodge Daskam was born on February 17, 1876, inStamford, Connecticut, to Anne (Loring) and Horace Sawyer Daskam. She graduated fromSmith College in 1898.[4]
In 1900, Bacon published a collection of ten short stories inspired by her Smith experience, intending "to deepen...the rapidly growing conviction that the college girl is very much like any other girl."[5]
In addition to fiction for young people. others of her works dealt with more serious themes, particularly women's issues and women's roles in complex, contemporary society.[6] She was a pioneer in theGirl Scouts movement and compiled the guidebook[7] used by that organization.[4]
Her books of poetry were well received by critics; as noted by one critic, some of her poetry was set to music.[8] For example, she is credited[9][10] for the lyrics used inHymn for Nations (also calledHymn to Nations) set to theOde to Joy melodic theme of the Finale of the fourth movement ofBeethoven's Ninth, as recorded byPaul Robeson,Pete Seeger, and others.
In 1903, Josephine Daskam wed Selden Bacon, a lawyer. The couple had three children: Anne, Deborah, andSelden Jr.[3]
Josephine Daskam Bacon died in 1961, aged 85. She was interred in All Souls Onteora Park Church Cemetery,Hunter, Greene County, New York.[3]
