Born in New York City to architect Calvin Pollard and his wife Electra, Josephine Pollard grew up as one of seven children. She received her education at the Spingler Institute, an exclusive school for girls. A lifelong Presbyterian, her deep religious faith heavily influenced her subsequent literary career. She was also active in contemporary social and professional circles, becoming a founding member of Sorosis, an early professional club for women.\n\nPollard became a highly productive writer, publishing over a hundred hymns and numerous popular children's books that focused primarily on historical and religious themes. In addition to her books, she worked as an editor for the Sunday School Times and the Methodist Book Concern, where she edited a magazine aimed at African American readers. Her poetry and articles appeared in prominent periodicals of the era, including Harper's Magazine, Scribner's Magazine, and the New York Ledger. A collection of her children's poetry was published in 1882 under the title Elfin land.\n\nPollard's writing for children was distinguished by its respectful tone; she avoided speaking over her young readers' heads or adopting a condescending attitude. Although she died in 1892 after a long illness, her works have experienced a modern resurgence, particularly within the home-schooling movement, where her books are valued as early readers.
