Lelia P. Roby

Lelia P. Roby (, Foster; pen name, Miles Standish; December 25, 1848 – September 18, 1910) was an American philanthropist of the long nineteenth century. She was the founder of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic. Thoroughly educated, she was a connoisseur in architecture and art, a linguist, and a well-read lawyer. She did a good deal of literary work under the pen-name "Miles Standish".

Early life Lelia P. Foster was born in Boston, Massachusetts, December 25, 1848. Her father and grandfather were clergymen and anti-slavery agitators. She was descended from Priscilla Mullens and John Alden, of the Mayflower Colony. Among her ancestors were many Revolutionary soldiers.

Personal life She married General Edward Roby, a constitutional lawyer of Chicago.

Selected works Heart Beats of the Republic