Noel M. Loomis

Born in Wakita, Oklahoma, in 1905, Noel M. Loomis grew up in the American West and later studied at the University of Oklahoma. Reference sources describe him as a writer and editor who worked in several fields, but Western fiction became his strongest reputation.

He published under his own name and also used the pen names Benjamin Miller and Silas Water. His first novel, Murder Goes to Press (1937), was a thriller, while later work ranged from Westerns to mystery and science fiction, including City of Glass. He also wrote nonfiction, including a history of the Wells Fargo company.

Loomis was active in the writing world beyond his books. Sources note that he served as president of Western Writers of America in the mid-1950s, and his career continued until his death in San Diego, California, in 1969.