Velma Caldwell Melville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Velma Caldwell Melville
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"A Woman of the Century"
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| Born | July 1, 1858 Greenwood, Vernon County, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | August 25, 1924 (aged 66) Gainesville, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation | Editor, poet, writer of prose |
| Language | English |
| Notable works | "White Dandy" |
| Spouse | James Melville |
Velma Caldwell Melville (born Caldwell; July 1, 1858 – August 25, 1924) was an American writer and editor. She wrote many poems and stories. Velma was from Wisconsin.
She worked as an editor for different magazines. These included the "Home Circle and Youths' Department" of the Practical Farmer in Philadelphia. She also edited the "Hearth and Home Department" of the Wisconsin Farmer. Velma wrote a lot for publications in the Central and Western United States. Her work appeared in nearly 100 different magazines and newspapers.
Early Life and Learning
Velma Caldwell was born in Greenwood, Vernon County, Wisconsin. This was on July 1, 1858. Her parents were William A. Caldwell and Artlissa Jordan. They moved to Wisconsin from Ohio in 1855.
Velma's father died when she was five years old. He passed away during the Siege of Petersburg in the Civil War. This sad event made her writings very patriotic.
Velma's Career as a Writer
Velma Melville's poems and stories were published widely. You could find her work in magazines like the St. Louis Observer and Ladies' Home Journal. She also wrote for the Chicago Inter Ocean and Chicago Ledger.
She was an editor for two important sections. One was the "Home Circle and Youth's Department" for the Practical Farmer. The other was the "Health and Home Department" for the Wisconsin Farmer.
Velma was a big supporter of Henry Bergh. He started the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). People said she "spoke for those who cannot speak for themselves." She wrote a lot about animal welfare.
Velma Melville wrote a famous book called White Dandy, Or Master And I; A Horse's Story. This book was like a friend to Black Beauty. It told the story of horses from their point of view. It showed their adventures and how they were sometimes treated badly. The book helped people understand the importance of being kind to animals. It taught readers to care for horses and other creatures. J.S. Ogilvie Publishing Company in New York published it.
Personal Life
When Velma was 20, she married James Melville. He was a graduate of the Wisconsin State University. James became a teacher and worked to stop alcohol use.
For ten years, Velma lived in Poynette, Wisconsin. Later, she moved to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Her husband was the principal of the high school there.
Velma Caldwell Melville passed away on August 25, 1924. She died in Gainesville, Florida.
Selected Books
- Queen Bess
- White Dandy; or, Master and I: A Horse's Story (1898)
