Marah Ellis Ryan
Encyclopedia
Marah Ellis Ryan was born either February 27, 1860 or 1866. As Ellis Martin, she married Samuel Erwin Ryan (b. 1834), an Irish actor and comedian, in 1883. She died July 11, 1934.
She was a popular author, actress and activist for Native Americans
at the turn of the 20th century.
The New York Times published this obituary:
She was a popular author, actress and activist for Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
at the turn of the 20th century.
The New York Times published this obituary:
Los Angeles, July 11 (AP)—Mrs. Marah Ellis Ryan, writer and authority on Indians, died today at her home in the Silver Lake district from encephalitis (sleeping sickness) at the age of 68.
Mrs. Ryan went to live among the HopiHopiThe Hopi are a federally recognized tribe of indigenous Native American people, who primarily live on the Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona. The Hopi area according to the 2000 census has a population of 6,946 people. Their Hopi language is one of the 30 of the Uto-Aztecan language...
Indians twenty-five years ago and claimed to be the only white woman ever admitted to the secret religious rites. She was noted as an authority on the tribal life of the Indians in the United States and Mexico.
Mrs. Ryan was born in Butler County, Pa., a daughter of Graham and Sidney Mechling Martin. As a young woman she wrote a few poems and stories under the pen-name of “Ellis Martin.” In 1883 she married S. Erwan Ryan of New York, an actor, who died several years ago.
Among the many books by Mrs. Ryan issued over a period of thirty-six years, 1889-1925, were the following: “In Love’s Domain,” “Squaw Eloise,” “A Flower of France,” “That Girl Montana,” “Indian Love Letters,” “The Woman of Twilight,” “The House of the Dawn,” “Treasure Trail,” and “The Dancer of Tuluum.”