Coolbrith, Ina Donna (1841-1928)

Title

Coolbrith, Ina Donna (1841-1928)

Contributor

Leroy, Lena

Source

Songs from the Golden Gate, Internet Archive

birthday

1841-03-10

Birthplace

Nauvoo, IL

Death Date

1928-02-29

Occupation

Poet

Biographical Text

Ina Donna Coolbrith, born Josephine Smith, was a poet who became well-known in the San Francisco literary community. Coolbrith was born into a Morman household, as the niece of founder Joseph Smith, in Nauvoo, IL in 1841. After losing her father at a young age, her mother and the family moved to California, attracted by the Gold Rush. They settled in Los Angeles, where Coolbrith received her education. From a young age, Coolbrith had already published her poems in a newspaper under the pseudonym Ina. She was in a short marriage, before she decided to move to San Francisco under the new name Ina Donna Coolbrith. While in San Francisco, she hosted many salons and co-edited the journal Overland Monthly. In 1874, she began working as a librarian for the next two decades. As a librarian, she was able to be a positive influence on Jack London and Isadora Duncan. She also became an honorary member of the Bohemian Club. She continued to write and publish poems throughout her life. In 1906, an earthquake struck San Francisco, causing Coolbrith to lose many of her belongings and written poems. Despite this, she was named California’s first Poet Laureate in 1915.

In 1858, Coolbrith was in a short, and abusive relationship with Robert B. Carsley. Their relationship took a mental toll on Coolbrith especially after the death of their infant son. They divorced after three years. In 1874, Coolbrith had adopted three foster children. She passed away on February 29, 1928 at 86 years old.

Bibliography

Ina Coolbrith, Poetry Foundation

Ina Donna Coolbrith, Britannica

Ina Donna Smith Coolbrith, Find-a-Grave

Ina Donna Coolbrith: Poet, Berkeley Plaques

Ina Coolbrith, Wikipedia