Johnny Gruelle (December 24, 1880 - January 9, 1939) was an artist, political cartoonist, and writer of children's books. He is best known as the creator of Raggedy Ann. He also illustrated Grimms Fairy Tales, 1914.
He was born John Barton Gruelle in Arcola, Illinois. One day, Johnny gave his daughter Marcella a dusty, faceless rag doll found in the attic. Johnny drew a face on the doll and named her Raggedy Ann. Marcella played with the doll so much, Raggedy Ann became like a sister to her. Gruelle wanted other little girls to have such dolls. Gruelle's Raggedy Ann doll Patent # 47789 was dated September 7, 1915. In 1918, the PF Volland Company published Raggedy Ann Stories. Gruelle then created a following series of popular Raggedy Ann books and dolls.
