Johnny Gruelle Birthplace: Arcola, IL USA Author Biography Johnny Gruelle was born in Arcola, Illinois on December 24, 1880. He died January 9, 1938. Gruelle was a self-taught cartoonist and he began working for a newspaper while still in his teens. He also worked as a songwriter and designed toys. The author and illustrator and his wife, Myrtle, had three children, Marcella, Richard and Worth. Gruelle is best known for his picture books featuring Raggedy Ann and Andy. Updating Results ...No matching titles were found. Loading...