Josephine Pollard

Born in New York City in 1834, Josephine Pollard was an American author, poet, and hymn writer whose work reached a wide popular audience in the late 1800s. She is especially remembered for writing for children, often shaping big subjects into simple, approachable books.

Pollard published more than a hundred hymns and produced many children's titles, especially on religious and historical themes. Her books include retellings of Bible stories and works such as A Child's History of America, showing her gift for making serious topics readable for younger audiences.

She also worked in publishing and editing, including roles connected with religious periodicals and Methodist publishing. Pollard died in New York City in 1892, but her writing remains part of the long tradition of American devotional verse and children's literature.