Benson, Mildred (1905–2002)

American writer, journalist and pilot. Name variations: Mildred Augustine; Mildred Wirt Benson; Mildred A. Wirt; Ann Wirt; (pseudonyms) Frank Bell, Joan Clark, Don Palmer, Dorothy West; (collective pseudonyms) Julia K. Duncan, Alice B. Emerson, Frances K. Judd, Carolyn Keene, Helen Louise Thorndyke. Born Mildred Augustine in Ladora, Iowa, July 10, 1905; died May 28, 2002, in Toledo, Ohio; dau. of J.L. (doctor) and Lillian (Mattison) Augustine; University of Iowa, AB, 1925, MA, 1927, the 1st woman to receive an MA from the University's journalism school; m. Asa Alvin Wirt (affiliated with the Associated Press, died 1947); m. George A. Benson (editor of Toledo [Ohio] Times), 1950 (died 1959); children: (1st m.) Margaret Wirt.

Effectively the creator of the character of "Nancy Drew," wrote over 100 series books for the Stratemeyer Syndicate using her own name and a variety of pseudonyms (1927–59); after receiving a brief plot and character outline for the 1st Nancy Drew book, The Secret of the Old Clock, crafted a smart, adventurous heroine, one she hoped would break the stereotypical mold; for years, as Carolyn Keene, produced a 200-page Nancy Drew story every 6 weeks or so, writing 22 of the next 29 books in the series, and frequently drawing on her own experiences for inspiration; also worked on several other Stratemeyer projects, including the "Doris Force," "Kay Tracy" and "Dana Girls" series; published volumes under her own name, or variations of her own name, including the "Ruth Darrow Flying Stories"; well into her 80s, piloted her own plane; in her 90s, continued writing the weekly column, "On the Go," for The Blade in Toledo, Ohio.

See also Women in World History.