Elizabeth Stuart Phelps was an American author and social reformer born on August 31, 1844, in Andover, Massachusetts. She is best known for her novels and essays that often addressed issues such as women's rights and social justice. Phelps gained prominence with her novel, The Gates Ajar, published in 1868, which explored themes of death and the afterlife. Throughout her career, Phelps wrote numerous works, including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. She was an advocate for women's education and played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement. Phelps passed away on January 28, 1911, leaving a lasting impact on American literature and social reform.