William Osborn Stoddard (1835-1925) was an American author, inventor, and assistant secretary to Abraham Lincoln during his first term. Stoddard's father was a bookseller, and Stoddard worked in his bookshop while growing up. After graduation, Stoddard was employed in an "editorial position" in 1857 at the Daily Ledger (Chicago); by 1858 he had become editor and proprietor of the Central Illinois Gazette, in Champaign, Illinois. Stoddard knew Lincoln, worked hard for his election, and received a government appointment. After two bouts with typhoid, he left his White House post in July 1864. Stoddard first published work in 1869. He wrote both poetry and fiction, ultimately producing over a hundred books, including 76 books for boys. Stoddard also received nine patents for inventions.