James A. Ackland (1845-1913) was born in Lanark, Ontario, Canada, and died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Cornell University from 1870-1871 and records over the years list his occupation as inventor, publisher, and poet. He was a charter member of the Church of Christ (Scientist) and a student of Mary Baker Eddy's, studying with her in the summer of 1879. Ackland was a member of the Christian Scientist Association but drifted away from Christian Science around the time that the Association dissolved in 1889. He remained a good friend of Eddy's even after leaving Christian Science.

See more letters.