Charlotte E. Linden (Charlotte Linden): Author Page
Charlotte E. Linden (1859-1919), who wrote under the name Mrs. Henry Linden, was born in Canada, overcame considerable adversity to become a prominent businesswoman and community leader as well as a poet. Much of what is known about her comes from her own autobiographical essay, included in her collection of poetry, Scraps of Time. After moving to the United States, her early life was marked by severe racial prejudice and instability, forcing her family to relocate frequently. Despite a limited formal education, Linden mastered cooking and laundry work skills, which allowed her to open a successful laundry business. Her personal life included a tumultuous first marriage and eventual widowhood; however, she managed to raise her children and achieve financial independence. In her forties, Linden became an influential figure in her community, leading several charitable organizations such as the Phyllis Wheatley Club and Friday Afternoon Study Club. Additionally, she gained recognition as a poet, where she published her work in local newspapers and even published a collection of poems and autobiography entitled Scraps of Time in 1907. This collection covers a range of poems from commentary about religion (see “Gossip” and “The Bird Song”) to future-looking verses (see “This Country’s Needs” and “The Prospect of the Future”). Linden’s life is a testament to her self-proclaimed “push, pluck, and ambition,” showcasing her dedication to community improvement and social justice.
Works Cited
Linden, Charlotte E. Scraps of Time: Autobiography and Poems. Self-published: Springfield, Ohio, 1907.
Smith, Jessie Carney. Notable Black American Women. United States, Gale Research, 1992.