Milton Bradley invented The Checkered Game of Life in 1861. This was Milton Bradley's first game. It is a very typical game from the 19th century. In addition to being fun, it had a strong moral message, like The Mansion of Happiness produced by S.B. Ives in 1843. Bradley's game did not include a die, but instead used a tee-totum, a six sided top. (Dice were considered by many to be wicked items fit only for gamblers.)
Original Rules for The Checkered Game of Life (Coming Soon...maybe)
History Channel: Milton Bradley
Milton Bradley - The Name's Familiar - by Laura Lee at UselessKnowledge.com