Branch, Anna Hempstead (1875–1937)
Branch, Anna Hempstead (1875–1937)
American poet and social worker. Born Mar 18, 1875, in New London, Connecticut; died Sept 8, 1937, in New London; dau. of John Locke Branch and Mary Lydia (Bolles) Branch (1840–1822, writer).
Served as editor-in-chief of literary monthly at Smith College and worked on poem "The Road 'Twixt Heaven and Hell" (winner, competition by Century Magazine); began relationship with the Christodora House social settlement on Lower East Side, NY (c. 1900), where she read her poetry, organized youth club, and served on board of directors; coordinated programs and classes at the Poet's Guild which was established at Christodora House; engaged in writings, including plays, prayers, and poems, for house activities; known for a broad mysticism; authored Sonnets from a Lock Box (1929). Best-known poem is "Nimrod."