Peter Clark MacFarlane

Born on March 8, 1871, in St. Clair County, Missouri, Peter Clark MacFarlane was an American novelist and speaker. Before making his name in literature, he worked as a railroad clerk, an early job that gives his career a practical, hard-working beginning.

MacFarlane went on to build a career as a writer of fiction, especially novels and short stories. He was also known as a public speaker, and his work found a wide audience in the early 20th century.

His stories continued to travel after publication: the 1919 film Molly of the Follies was based on his story "The Side-Show Girl," and the 1924 film Tongues of Flame was adapted from his novel of the same name. He died in San Francisco, California, on June 9, 1924.