Ella Wheeler Wilcox (November 5, 1850 – October 30, 1919) was an American author and poet. Ella was born in Johnstown, Wisconsin. The family later moved north of Madison, after losing its wealth, as the result of her father's failed business aspirations and speculation. During her childhood, Wilcox amused herself by reading books and newspapers, which may have influenced her later writing (most notably William Shakespeare, The Arabian Nights, The Diverting History of John Gilpin and Gulliver's Travels, in addition to the few other pieces of literature that were to be had in her home). Wheeler Wilcox also cared about alleviating animal suffering in her poems.
