Ella Giles Ruddy

Ella Giles Ruddy (, Giles; February 2, 1851 – June 26, 1917) was an American author and editor. She published a large number of essays on social science topics. Ruddy was the author of Bachelor Ben, Out From the Shadows, Maiden Rachel, and Flowers of the Spirit (verse). She also wrote stories for Harper’s Bazaar, literary sketches for Chicago Times (on staff three years), The Century, New York Evening Post, and others. She was the editor of Mother of Clubs. Her literary friends included Lilian Whiting and Zona Gale.

Early life and education Ella Augusta Giles was born in Dunkirk, Wisconsin, February 2, 1851. She was the daughter of Hiram Horatio Giles, for twenty years a member of the Wisconsin State Board of Charities. He was once president of the National Conference of Charities. From him, Giles inherited a philanthropic spirit, which was visible in her writings. Her mother's maiden name was Rebecca S. Watson. From the maternal side, Giles inherited a love of art and literature.

Ruddy early showed musical talent. Her fine voice was carefully cultivated by Hans Balatka. She received her education at Stoughton High School and the University of Wisconsin.

Career She was quite distinguished as an oratorio and church singer when her health failed, and she was compelled to abandon what promised to be a successful career in music. During the isolation illness rendered necessary she wrote her first romance, Bachelor Ben (Chicago, 1875). and is buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Selected works Bachelor Ben, 1875 Out from the shadows; or, Trial and triumph, 1876 Maiden Rachel, 1879 Little blue shoes. The shoes of blue., 1885 An international tea-party, or, Anything to get votes : a dramatic dialogue, 1886 Flowers of the spirit, 1891 Club etiquette : a conversation between a club woman and a non-member who answer the calling, 1902 The Mother of Clubs, by Caroline M. Seymour Severance; Ella Giles Ruddy, editor, 1906 The story of a literary career, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, with description of Mrs. Wilcox's Home and Life by Ella Giles Ruddy, 1905 Around the Year with Ella Wheeler Wilcox, compiled by Ella Giles Ruddy, 1904 Lace o'me life, 1916