Lydia Arms Avery Coonley-Ward (January 31, 1845 – February 26, 1924) was a social leader, clubwoman and writer.

[1] Coonley's mother, Susan Look Avery, was an important leader in the women's suffrage movement and started the first woman's club in Louisville.

[7] Coonley married Henry Augustus Ward, who owned the world's largest meteor collection, on March 18, 1897.

The great social reformer and peace activist Jane Addams gave the eulogy.

[15] The Chicago Tribune wrote that the book contained "charming sentiment on love and nature and the divinity of everyday life.

"[16] In 1896, she wrote the lyrics for "Our Flag With the Stars and Stripes" and in 1897, she collaborated with several others to created Singing Verses for Children.

[17] The Tennessean called the book one of the "most attractive of the new volumes published at the holiday season for the delight of young people.