Brown, Abbie Farwell (1871–1927)
Brown, Abbie Farwell (1871–1927)
American poet and children's writer. Name variations: (pseudonym) Jean Neal. Born Aug 21, 1871, in Boston, Massachusetts; died Mar 5, 1927; dau. of Benjamin F. and Clara (Neal) Brown; sister of Ethel Brown who wrote and illustrated under pseudonym Ann Underhill; graduate of Bowdoin School, 1886; attended Boston Girls' Latin School; attended Radcliffe College, 1891–92 and 1893–94.
Known largely for her leadership in the New England literary community, published 1st and possibly most successful volume, The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts (1900); authored other works for children, including The Lonesomest Doll (1901), A Pocket Full of Posies (poetry, 1901), In the Days of the Giants (1902), and Fresh Posies (poetry, 1908); with composer Mabel W. Daniels, wrote "On the Trail" which became official song of Girl Scouts; served as editor of 20-vol. Young Folks' Library (1902); wrote poetry for adults, including Heart of New England (1920) and The Silver Stair (1926); served as president of New England Poetry Club.