Joseph Spillman

Born in Zug, Switzerland, on April 22, 1842, he first had to interrupt his schooling because of poor health and work in his father's business. He later returned to study at the Jesuit college in Feldkirch, entered the Jesuit order in 1862, and was ordained a priest in 1875.

He is best known as a prolific writer for children and young people. He edited the magazine Stimmen aus Maria-Laach for many years and wrote a large number of stories and historical tales, often drawing on missionary subjects, Catholic history, and dramatic adventures.

His books were widely translated and remained popular well beyond his lifetime. He died in Luxembourg in 1905.