Josephine Daskam Bacon

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, and a few nonfiction works. Her pen names include "Ingraham Lovell", "Josephine Dodge Daskam", and "Josephine Daskam".

Early life and education Josephine Dodge Daskam was born on February 17, 1876, in Stamford, Connecticut, to Anne (Loring) and Horace Sawyer Daskam. She graduated from Smith College in 1898. Josephine Daskam Bacon's portrait as published with a review of her volume Poems (1903).

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. She was a pioneer in the Girl Scouts movement and compiled the guidebook used by that organization.

Her books of poetry were well received by critics; as noted by one critic, some of her poetry was set to music. For example, she is credited for the lyrics used in Hymn for Nations (also called Hymn to Nations) set to the Ode to Joy melodic theme of the Finale of the fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth, as recorded by Paul Robeson, Pete Seeger, and others.

Personal life In 1903, Josephine Daskam wed Selden Bacon, a lawyer. The couple had three children: Anne, Deborah, and Selden Jr.