Adelia Pope Branham (October 13, 1861 – January 12, 1917) was an American writer who wrote poetry and prose. Many of her poems were turned into songs by composers and were printed in books. She began writing short stories after 1899.

Early life and education

Adelia Pope was born in Greenfield, Indiana, on October 13, 1861, and lived in Greenfield her entire life. She had at least one sibling, a sister named Mrs. James F. Reed.

Branham received his education in the local schools.

Career

As a young woman, she started writing poems and articles that were published in local newspapers.

She married Howard S. Branham in 1885. At that time and for several years after, he worked in the newspaper business, helping with all areas of the work. He started the first daily newspaper in Greenfield, called The Evening Tribune. During his time in the newspaper business, his wife helped manage special sections and also took part in political discussions. Her work during this time was not signed with her name.

Soon after, poems written by Branham began appearing in several Indiana publications, including the Indianapolis Sentinel, where she was a regular writer. She later worked regularly for magazines in Chicago and the East. Two of her most well-known poems were "Resurgo," published in the Christian Standard of Cincinnati, and "The Day We Thresh," published in The Century Magazine of New York City. Many of her poems were turned into songs and published. Other poems that were highly praised included "Resurgo," "The Day We Threshed," and "Out in God's Fields."

Branham did not write short stories until after she published her first book of poems in 1899. Publishers asked her to write short stories for both children and adults. Some of her most recognized short stories were "More Stately Mansions," "The House on the Sand," "The Other Prodigal," and "In the Far Country."

In 1903, she published a book of prose called A Daughter of April, released by Abbey Press in New York, N.Y. In 1899, she also published a book of children's poems titled Grandma Tales and Others, which was illustrated by Will Vawter, a Greenfield artist.

Later in her life, she focused mostly on writing for religious newspapers and magazines. Her religious stories were widely used in Sunday schools and Christian Endeavor groups. She also continued writing for magazines. For a time, she was a regular contributor to the Christian Standard and helped with special projects for the magazine. She was a member of the Loyal Women's Bible Class in Greenfield.

Death

Before her death, Branham was staying at a hospital in Indianapolis, where she had surgery. She passed away in Greenfield, Indiana, on January 12, 1917.