William O. Stoddard

Born in Homer, New York, on September 24, 1835, William Osborn Stoddard grew up around books in his father’s bookstore and later attended the University of Rochester. After graduating, he worked as a journalist and editor, including at the Daily Ledger in Chicago and the Central Illinois Gazette in Champaign, Illinois.

Stoddard went on to serve as a private secretary to Abraham Lincoln during Lincoln’s first presidential term. He also pursued interests in invention and historical writing, publishing memoirs, poetry, novels, and numerous books for children.

Over the course of his career, Stoddard produced more than 100 books, including about 76 written for boys. He died in Madison, New Jersey, on August 29, 1925.