Mary Johnston was an American author and suffragist born on April 21, 1870, in Virginia. She is best known for her novels that often focused on themes of social justice and women's rights. Johnston's writing career began in the early 1900s, and she gained popularity with works such as To Have and To Hold and The Long Roll. In addition to her literary contributions, Johnston was an active advocate for women's suffrage. She played a significant role in the women's rights movement and worked alongside other prominent figures to promote the right to vote for women. Her efforts helped pave the way for future generations of female activists.