Mrs. Findley Braden

Mrs. Findley Braden was the pen name of Anna Braden (, Rile; January 11, 1858 – 1939), an American writer, newspaper editor, and elocutionist from Pennsylvania. Before her marriage, she published under the name "Madge Rile" and other pseudonyms. Over the course of her career, she wrote more than 700 sketches, poems, and serials, contributed to leading newspapers and magazines in New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, and published several volumes of poetry. She also composed song lyrics, delivered public recitations, and wrote works in multiple dialects, including Scotch, Irish, African-American, Dutch, and Quaker. In addition to her literary work, she served as editor of the Presbyterian Visitor, a monthly newspaper based in Philadelphia.

Early life and education Anna Margaretta (nickname, "Madge") Rile was born in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1858. Her parents were John Conver and Sarah (Frantz) Rile. She was of English and German descent, and her ancestors lived in or near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for over a century and a half. Her father was John Conver Rile. Her mother's maiden name was Frantz. She is fifth in direct line of descent from Joseph Reed, a Founding Father of the United States, his daughter being her great-grandmother.

She graduated from the National School of Elocution and Oratory, Philadelphia.

Personal life In 1880, she married William Findley Braden (1852–1933),

Braden was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Selected works Books

Something new to recite (1908) (Text)

Poems "Heart-Murder" (1894) "Pills at Poughkeepsie" (1894) "He Fought with Washington" "You Hae But Ae Mither To Lose" (1905) "Thae Auld Laird's Secret" (1918)

Recitations "The Fence O' Scripture Faith" (1887) "Rejoicin' at De Co'ners" (Negro dialect) (1894) "Mickey's Proposal" (Irish dialect) (1899) "A Bridal Soliloguy" (1899) "The Skeleton Soldier" (1899)