H. L. (Harry Lincoln) Sayler

Harry Lincoln Sayler was an American journalist and novelist, born in Ohio in 1863 and active in newspaper work first in Indianapolis and then in Chicago. He graduated from DePauw University, married June Elliott in 1889, and later became general manager of the Chicago City News Bureau.

He is best remembered for writing energetic juvenile adventure fiction, both under his own name and under pseudonyms including Ashton Lamar, Gordon Stuart, and Elliott Whitney. His best-known books include the Airship Boys, Aeroplane Boys, and Boy Scouts of the Air series, which tapped into early-1900s excitement about aviation and new technology.

Beyond fiction, Sayler was known as a serious history enthusiast, with a particular interest in pirates, and belonged to several historical societies. He died in Indianapolis on May 31, 1913, leaving behind a body of work that captures the optimism and imagination of the first flying age.