Aby, Joe C., “Hoffenstein,” born 1858. A humorist who made his reputation on the New Orleans Times-Democrat. His “Hoffenstein” sketches have been issued in book form.

Adams, Charles Follen (1842). “Leedle Yawcob Strauss,” a short poem bubbling over with quiet, kindly, pathetic humour, given in quaint German-American vernacular, first brought Mr. Adams before the public. “Leedle Yawcob Strauss” has been followed by many sunny pieces in similar dialect. Mr. Adams has published Leedle Yawcob Strauss and other Poems, Dialect Ballads, etc.

Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848), sixth President of the United States, first attracted public attention by his writings, and principally on account of his pen he was appointed to many honourable posts by President George Washington. He wrote a number of humorous pieces of verse, the most popular being “The Plague in the Forest” and “The Wants of Man.”

Alcott, Louisa May (1832-1888). Author of Little Women, Little Men, Moods, An Old-Fashioned Girl, Eight Cousins, etc. Most popular with the young people of America and Great Britain.

Alden, William L., born 1837. Author of Domestic Explosives, Shooting Stars, Moral Pirates, A Lost Soul (Chatto & Windus), and a host of volumes of facetious short stories. He was admitted to the bar, but took to journalism; made himself famous as the “fifth-column man” on the New York Times; was appointed consul-general at Rome, the king decorating him with the cross of Chevalier of the “Crown of Italy” at the end of his consulship. He introduced canoeing as a pastime into the United States, and founded the first canoe club. He is now (1893) writing humorous “stories” for the Idler and other English publications, and his work has lost none of his old-time flavour.

Aldrich, Thomas Bailey, born 1837. Mr. Aldrich, who for many years was looked upon as one of the most promising younger writers of America, has now attained the first rank in American poetry. His first great success was the Ballad of Babie Bell, published in 1856, and this induced him to adopt literature as a profession. In March 1881 he was appointed editor of the Atlantic Monthly. Since Babie Bell appeared he has given to the public much work of a high order. Pampinea and other Poems, 1861; Poems (two collections), 1863 and 1865; Cloth of Gold, 1874; Flower and Thorn, 1876; Lyrics and Sonnets, 1880, in verse; and Marjorie Daw and other People, 1873; Prudence Palfrey, 1874; The Stillwater Tragedy, 1880; Mercedes, 1883, in prose, are well known in Great Britain and America. Messrs. Macmillan & Co. publish his works in England, and Houghton, Mifflin, & Co. in America.

Alsop, George, born 1638. When twenty years old he sailed to Maryland, and for four years laboured as a servant. At the restoration of King Charles he, a warm Royalist, returned to England, and whether he returned to America or not is uncertain. He published A Character of the Province of Maryland, a volume of prose and verse, absurdly humorous from beginning to end.

Alsop, Richard (1761-1815). Founder of a society of literary-inclined individuals known as the “Hartford Wits.” Alsop was the chief writer of the Echo, a series of burlesque essays published between 1791 and 1795. He also published The Enchanted Lake of Fairy Morgana, Monody on the Death of Washington, The Natural and Civil History of Chili, and edited the Captivity and Adventures of J. R. Jewett among the Savages of Nootka Sound. He was an accomplished linguist.

Ames, Nathaniel (1708-1764), commenced publishing in 1725 a yearly calendar—the great-grandfather of the present weekly paper. He was a shrewd wit, and his almanac, which obtained marked popularity, was full of quaint and wise sayings.

Anderson, Mrs. Arestine (1855). A writer of humorous newspaper verse. Contributor to many of the humorous papers in America.

AndrÉ, Major John (1751-1780). This unfortunate soldier wrote a humorous piece entitled “The Cow Chase,” which, strangely enough, appeared in Rivington’s Royal Gazette the same day that the author was captured.

Arnold, George (1834-1865). Author of McArone Papers, The Jolly Old Pedagogue, and other Poems.

Austin, William (1778-1841). His “Peter Rugg, the Missing Man,” published in the New England Galaxy, made a great hit, and his “Letters from London” are full of quiet humour and quaint information. He was also the author of “Oration on the Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker’s Hill,” and “Essay on the Human Character of Jesus Christ.”

Bagby, George William (1828-1883). Took his degree in medicine, adopted journalism as a profession, was appointed (1870) state librarian for Virginia. His humorous articles were published under the pen-name “Mozis Addums,” and after his death his sketches were collected and published by Mrs. Bagby in three volumes.

Bailey, James Montgomery, born 1841. In 1873 and 1874 America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, was laughing at the “Danbury News-Man’s” funny articles. His work was to be found copied in every paper in the land, and the Danbury News, which up to that time had claimed only local attention, soon rose in circulation, until it had readers in every state in the Union. Mr. Bailey, whose laughable sketches made this sensation, began life as a carpenter, served in the ranks during the war, and then entered journalism. His humorous sketches have been collected and published. Life in Danbury and England from a Back Window are the best compilations.

Bangs, J. K. Has published the Tiddledywink Poetry Book. His verse is in much request by the better-class humorous papers and magazines in America.

Barlow, Joel (1754-1812). After serving with the Revolutionary army as chaplain, he, in 1783, settled at Hartford, studied law, and was admitted to the bar. He joined the “Hartford Wits,” founded a paper, and began writing satirical verse. In 1791 he journeyed to England to take part in the political movements of the day, and published his Advice to the Privileged Orders, which the Government proscribed. He took refuge in France, and while there wrote “Hasty Pudding,” his most popular poem. After serving his country diplomatically on a number of trying occasions, he, while acting as minister to France, set out to visit Napoleon, then on his Russian campaign, and died of cold in the famous retreat from Moscow.

Barr, John, born in Canada 1858. Taught school, sailed the great lakes, appointed marine editor of the Detroit Free Press, and is now commercial editor of the paper. Has written under the pen-name “Baron Joe.” The extract given is from The White Feather, a farcical opera.

Barr, Robert (1851), co-editor of the Idler (1892), and for many years connected with the Detroit Free Press. His humorous sketches and short stories, both humorous and dramatic, under the nom de guerre of “Luke Sharp,” first made him known to the readers of the United Kingdom and America, but lately he has taken to writing under his proper name. His published works are In a Steamer Chair, and other Shipboard Stories (Chatto & Windus), From Whose Bourn, Strange Happenings, One Day’s Courtship, Jones and I, etc. Although inseparably connected with American humour, and having made his first success in America and on an American paper, he was educated in Canada.

Bartlett, Joseph (1762-1827), graduated at Harvard, studied law, and travelled to England to spend his money, which he easily succeeded in doing, and as a result found himself in prison for debt. In prison he wrote a play, and with the money obtained for it bought his release. Trying the stage for a while and not making headway, he obtained a cargo of goods on credit for sale in America, set sail, and was shipwrecked. In Boston he started in business, failed, opened a law office in Woburn, and removed to Cambridge. There he wrote “Physiognomy,” a poem lampooning celebrities of the day, and afterwards “The New Vicar of Bray.” He died penniless.

Bayles, Mather (1706-1788), humorous verse-writer.

Beers, Henry Augustin, born 1847, Professor of English at Yale. Has published Odds and Ends, The Thankless Muse, volumes of verse, and Life of N. P. Willis, A Century of American Literature, and An Outline Sketch of English Literature. Has written a few facetious poems.

Belknap, Rev. Jeremy (1744-1798), a New England historian, and author of The Foresters, an American Tale, a work rich in humour.

Bellaw, Americus W., humorous verse-writer, contributor to most of the humorous papers of America. He is well-known to readers of newspaper humour in the United States.

Benjamin, Park (1809-1864), a Boston attorney, who drifted into magazine writing, and being equally at home in verse or prose, published a great amount of matter. For a time he was associated with Horace Greeley as editor of the New Yorker, and in 1840 he founded the New World, and, with others, edited it for five years. His principal works are Infatuation and Poetry, both satires in verse.

Beveridge, John, a Scotsman by birth, who in 1758 was appointed Professor of Languages in Philadelphia College; published some Latin verse of a humorous description, with their English translations by his students.

Bolton, Mrs. Sarah Tittle (1815). She wrote “Paddle your own Canoe.”

Brackenridge, Hugh Henry (1748-1816). Born in Scotland and taken to America while still a child, he earned enough money to put himself through Princetown, graduating in 1771, and rose to be one of the Justices of Pennsylvania Supreme Court (1799). Modern Chivalry, or the Adventures of Captain Farrago and Teague O’Regan his Servant, published in Pittsburg, 1796, a political satire, established his reputation as a humorist.

Brainard, John Gardiner Calkins (1796-1828). Studied law, but on being called to the bar he forsook his profession for that of editor of a weekly paper. He wrote a number of ballads, and his “Sonnet to a Sea-Serpent” is humorous.

Brougham, John, born in Dublin, 1810; died in America, 1880. A prolific writer of comedies and farces, and was editor and proprietor of the Lantern, a comic paper published in 1852. Two collections of his writings have appeared, A Basket of Chips and The Bunsby Papers.

Browne, Charles Farrar (1834-1867), “Artemus Ward.” When fifteen years old he contributed comic articles to the Carpet Bag, a Boston weekly. Subsequently he secured the situation of reporter on the Cleveland Plaindealer, a paper of good standing, and while acting in that position commenced his showman articles. The first of these were written in a careless style, more as a “fill up” than anything else, but finding that they met with extraordinary success Mr. Browne began taking greater pains with them, and the result is a series of as clever and humorous articles as America has produced. He was a successful lecturer, and in this capacity visited England in 1866, but his health, which had long been failing, became so poor that he was forced to cancel engagements. He died in Southampton, England.

Browne, John Ross (1817-1875), author of Yusef, American Family in Germany, Land of Thor, and other records of his travels in Europe, well worth reading. He was a great traveller, visiting every quarter of the globe, and his pen was never idle.

Bunner, Henry Cuyler (1885), present editor of Puck (1892). He is a writer of graceful verse and short stories, which are overflowing with refined humour. Airs from Arcady, a volume of short verse, Short Sixes and The Zodac Pines, volumes of short stories, and A Woman of Honour, a novel, are his principal published works. He is one of the best of the many brilliant short-story writers America of to-day possesses. Charles Scribner’s Sons and Ogilvie & Co., publishers, America.

Burbank, “Major,” editor New Orleans Piccayune, a humorous writer and lecturer.

Burdette, Robert Jones (1844), first attracted attention by his humorous articles to the Burlington Hawkeye. These sketches have been collected and published in book form under the titles of The Rise and Fall of the Moustache, Hawkeyes, Sumach Garden, and other comic sketches. His humour is of the evanescent quality, and suited better to the columns of a daily or weekly paper than to publication in book form.

Burton, William Evans, born in England, 1804; died in America, 1860. In 1834 he emigrated to America, and for a time was the leader of the dramatic profession in America. In 1858 he published the CyclopÆdia of Wit and Humour (2 vols.).

Butler, William Allen, born 1825. A lawyer of New York who has been a frequent contributor to the periodical literature of the country. His Nothing to Wear, first published in 1857, is to be found in most collections of American humour.

Byles, Dr. Mather (1707-1788), more famous for his jokes in conversation and in the pulpit than for his writings.

Byrd, Colonel William (1674-1744). Founder of Richmond, Va., three times agent for the colony in England, and for thirty-seven years member of the King’s Council. His Westover Manuscripts were published in 1841. They are “A Journey to the Land of Eden,” “A Progress to the Mines,” and “History of the Dividing Line.” He wrote verse, and was considered a great wit.

Carleton, Will, born 1845. Without doubt the most popular humorous verse-writer of the day in America. His versification is far from being irreproachable, but he takes the everyday occurrences of life and treats them in a simple humorous style which appeals to the great public. His works are, Farm Ballads, Farm Legends, Young Folks’ Rhymes, Farm Festivals, City Ballads, City Legends, all published by Harper’s, New York, and most of them by Sampson Low, Marston, & Co., London. For pictures of rural life his work is invaluable.

Cheney, John Vance (1848), public librarian of San Francisco. He has published two dainty books of fascinating, graceful, and wayward verse, Thistledrift and Wood Blooms. See also Poems of Wild Life, “Canterbury Poets.”

Clark, Lewis Gaylord (1810-1873). Appointed editor of the Knickerbocker Magazine in 1834. He brought the magazine into fame, and gathered around him as contributors, Longfellow, Irving, Bryant, Halleck, Morris, and other well-known men. His published works in book form are Knickerbocker Sketch-Book, and Knick-Knacks from an Editor’s Table.

Clark, Will W., the “Frisbee” and “Gilhooley” of the Pittsburg Leader.

Clemens, Samuel Langhorne, born 1835. A true citizen of the United States, he began at the bottom of the ladder and has worked his way to the top. After receiving a meagre education at a village school, he was apprenticed to a printer at the age of thirteen, and for three years “stuck type.” In 1851 he took to the Mississippi, earning his living as a pilot, and later on tried mining and editing. Under the pseudonym “Mark Twain” he began to publish the work which has earned for him the right to be considered the greatest humorous writer of the century. The Jumping Frog and other Sketches was his first book, appearing in 1867, and this he has followed with a splendid line of successes down to The American Claimant, which has just appeared. Messrs. Chatto & Windus publish his works in England, and Webster & Co. in America.

Clifton, William (1772-1799), a satirical writer of prose and verse. Author of The Group, The Rhapsody of the Times, and an unfinished poem, “Chimeriad.”

Cotes, Mrs. E. C., “Sarah Jeannette Duncan” (1863). Miss Duncan, a native of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, did her first literary work on the Toronto Globe, and, after occupying positions on the staff of the Globe and Washington Post, spent a session at Ottawa as special correspondent of the Montreal Star. This newspaper training is clearly shown in her two clever books, A Social Departure and An American Girl in London. The first is an original and wholly unconventional account of travel, telling how she, in company with another girl, went round the world. The other book is an equally bright description of her doings in London.

Cox, Samuel Sullivan (“Sunset Cox”), born 1824, and died 1889. A lawyer, journalist, and politician. He served the United States as diplomatist in Peru and Turkey, and wrote and spoke much that was witty. He published The Buck-Eye Abroad, Why We Laugh, A Search for Winter Sunbeams, Arctic Sunbeams, Orient Sunbeams, and The Isles of the Princes—the last three bright and laughable accounts of his travels in many lands. They are published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York and London.

Cox, William, died about 1851. Author of Crayon Sketches. He wrote under the pseudonym “An Amateur.”

Cozzens, Frederick Swartout (1818-1869), author of The Sayings of Dr. Bushwhacker and other Learned Men, and The Sparrowgrass Papers. A genuine humorist and graceful writer. Some of his work was published under the pen-name “Richard Haywarde.”

Curtis, George William (1824-1892). As the “Easy Chair” in Harper’s Magazine, Mr. Curtis’ work was familiar to a wide circle of readers throughout the English-speaking world. His writings are all brightened by a vein of refined and genial humour. His chief works are Nile Notes, The Howadji in Syria, Lotus-Eating, Potiphar Papers, Prue and I, and Trumps.

Derring, Nathaniel (1791-1881), a playwright of note and humorous story writer. Author of Bozzaris and The Clairvoyants.

De Mille, James, Canadian (1837-1880). He began his career as a humorous writer while still at school, his writings appearing in New Brunswick papers. In 1860 he was appointed to the Chair of Classics in Acadia College, and four years later that of history and rhetoric in Dalhousie College, Halifax, holding the position till his death. He published, during his comparatively short lifetime, more than twenty books, of which The Dodge Club found the most readers.

Dennie, Joseph (1768-1812), a lawyer who thought better of it, and adopted literature as a profession. In 1801 he became editor of the Portfolio, and, under the nom de plume “Oliver Old School,” edited and wrote for it till his death. His Short Sermons for Idle Readers are rich in humour.

Depew, Chauncey Mitchell, born 1834. He entered politics before 1860, and has stayed in ever since. He is President of the New York Central Railway, the right-hand man of the Republican party, and America’s most famous facetious after-dinner speaker and story-teller.

Derby, George Horatio (“John Phoenix”), 1823-1861, a graduate of West Point, and served in the war with Mexico, receiving a severe wound in the battle of Cerro Gordo. He explored Minnesota territory in 1849, and after holding many important government positions, was made captain of engineers. He died from effects produced by sunstroke. Under the pseudonym “John Phoenix,” he wrote the first of what may be called newspaper humour. His Phoenixiana and The Squibob Papers have been published on both sides the Atlantic.

Diaz, Mrs. Abby (1821), a humorous writer for the young; author of Chronicles of the Stimpcett Family, The William Henry Letters, etc.

Dodge, H. C., a writer of newspaper verse, ready with his rhymes, but whose chief ingenuity is displayed in the typographical arrangements of his verse.

Douglass, William, a Scotsman who made America his home in 1718. He was a famous satirist in his day.

Dowe, Mrs. Jennie, E. T. Her best work is to be found in the Century Magazine, where she, every now and again, fills a page or two with graceful and fantastical verse, usually employing a slight dialect of one sort or another. Her poems are full of life and music, and are decidedly clever.

Drake, Joseph Rodman (1795-1820), co-author with Halleck of the Croaker Papers, and author of The Culprit Fay.

Drummond, Dr. W. H., a resident of Montreal, Canada. He is a master of the French-Canadian dialect, and in verse has the field pretty much to himself. His Wreck of the Julie Plante is the most popular humorous song Canada has produced.

Duncan, Sarah Jeannette. See Cotes, Mrs.

Dunlop, William, born in Scotland 1795 (?), died in Canada 1848. He contributed to Blackwood’s Magazine “The Autobiography of a Rat,” founded the Toronto Literary Society, and represented Huron County in the first parliament after the union of Upper and Lower Canada.

Dwight, Timothy (1752-1817), President of Yale College, and hymn-writer of note. Among his many published works is Triumph of Infidelity, a satire.

Edwards, Edward E., the author of “Facts and Fancies” in the Boston Transcript.

Fay, Theodore Sedgewick, born 1807, an associate of Morris and Willis in the New York Mirror. Mr. Fay, about 1830, joined the diplomatic service, and was stationed at Berlin and Berne for years. He published many works of a quietly humorous character.

Fessenden, Thomas Green (1771-1837). When at Dartmouth College he wrote “Jonathan’s Courtship,” a ballad which became popular, and was reprinted in England. He studied law and wrote humorous verse until 1801, when he was sent to England with a newly-patented hydraulic machine which proved a failure. This and other patents in which he experimented ruined him. Returning to America, he edited for a time the New York Weekly Inspector, and from this time till his death was connected with one paper or another. His published works include Democracy Unveiled, “Pills, Poetical, Political, and Philosophical, prescribed for the purpose of purging the Public of—Philosophers, Penny Poetasters, of Paltry Politicians and Petty Partisans. By Peter Pepperbox, Poet and Physician, Philadelphia.”

Field, Eugene (1850). During the year 1891 Mr. Field made a successful dÉbut before the reading public of Great Britain with his Little Book of Western Verse, and Little Book of Profitable Tales, published by Osgood, McIlvain, & Co. For many years past Mr. Field has been the chief humorist of Chicago, and in verse and prose holds an honoured place among the present-day writers of America. He is equally at home in prose and verse.

Field, Matthew C. (1812-1844), a contributor to many southern journals from 1834 till the time of his death.

Fields, James Thomas (1817-1881). He edited the Atlantic Monthly for eleven years, and wrote several volumes of prose and clever humorous verse. He was partner in the publishing house of Ticknor & Fields.

Finn, Henry J. (1782-1840), an actor, miniature painter, and humorist. He was lost in the burning of the steamer Lexington.

Folger, Peter (1617-1690), grandfather of Benjamin Franklin, published a satirical attack on the follies of the day, under the extensive title of A Looking-glass for the Times; or, the Former Spirit of New England Revised in this Generation.

Foss, Sam Walter (1858), editor of the Yankee Blade. Although his poems are as widely quoted on one side the Atlantic as the other, they have not yet appeared in book form in England.

Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) It is difficult to say what Franklin was not, and there can be no question of his being the best-informed man of his day. Along with his other virtues, he was a humorist, and sparkling witty in conversation and writing. He was the first American to achieve cosmopolitan fame as a writer.

Freneau, Philip (1752-1832). He commenced to write poetry before he left college, and continued to do so all his life. As a consequence, his published works are many. His reputation as a humorist rests to a great extent on “A Journey from Philadelphia to New York, by Robert Slender, Stocking-Weaver,” published 1787.

Goldsmith, Jay Charlton, the “P.I. Man” of the New York Herald, and the author of the “Jay Charlton” papers which appeared in the Danbury News.

Graydon, Alexander (1752-1818). Graydon served in the War of Independence, was taken prisoner; when peace was restored was appointed to a government office, which he held for many years. He wrote his memoirs, and was an epigrammatist of note.

Green, Joseph (1706-1780), a writer of verse, chiefly parody. His “Poet’s Lament for the Loss of his Cat, which he used to call his Mews,” published in the London Magazine, 1733, and “The Wonderful Lament of Old Mr. Tenor,” are the most notable of his productions. He died in England.

Greene, Albert Gorton (1802-1868), founder of the Providence AthenÆum, and president of the Rhode Island Historical Society from 1854 till his death. His poem, “Old Grimes,” has appeared in almost every collection of American humour published.

Gregory W. H., working editor of Judge, and a brilliant paragraphist.

Griswold, A. Minor (nom de guerre, “The Fat Contributor”), first made his name on the Cincinnati Enquirer, and afterwards became identified with Texas Siftings. In 1889 he started on a lecturing tour À la Artemus Ward, and died in Michigan.

Habberton, John, born 1842. The author of Helen’s Babies. He served through the war, and after an unsuccessful attempt to establish himself in business he took up journalism. In 1876, after several refusals, he found a publisher for Helen’s Babies, and the result was a sale of close on half a million copies in the United States alone. Since that time he has published a dozen or more books, most of them successes.

Hale, Lucretia Peabody, born 1820. Her Peterkim Papers, published in America by Osgood & Co., Boston, made her famous with the young folk of America, but the reader must be young to enjoy the skits.

Haliburton, Thomas Chandler (1797-1865), Canada’s most famous humorist. Was admitted to the bar in Nova Scotia at the age of twenty-three, and nine years later was made Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1840 Judge of the Supreme Court. In 1842 he resigned this office and settled in England, sitting in Parliament as Conservative member for Launceston from 1859 to 1865. It was in the year 1835 he commenced writing his humorous works that made the name of “Sam Slick” famous the world over. His first production was The Clockmaker; or, The Sayings and Doings of Sam Slick; and this he followed up with Bubbles of Canada, Letter Bag of the Great Western, Yankee Stories, Nature and Human Nature, etc.

Halleck, Fitz-Greene (1790-1867), a descendant of John Eliot, “The Apostle of the Indians.” In 1819 he and John Rodman Drake published the Croaker Papers, humorous and satirical, which attracted much attention at the time. These papers he followed with “Fanny,” his longest poem, hitting off the follies of the day. These are his chief contributions to humorous literature.

Halpine, Charles Graham (1829-1868), “Miles O’Reilly,” a verse-writer. Established with “Mrs. Partington” a humorous paper called The Carpet Bag, which proved a failure. He enlisted during “the war,” and worked his way up until he finally became a colonel. He issued Life and Adventures, Songs, Services, and Speeches of Private Miles O’Reilly, 47th Regiment, New York Volunteers, and A Collection of Essays, Poems, Speeches, and Banquets by Private Miles O’Reilly. Collected, Revised, and Edited, with the Requisite Corrections of Punctuation, Spelling, and Grammar, by an ex-Colonel of the Adjutant-General’s Department, etc.

Harris, Charles H., “Carl Pretzel,” born 1833. Author of Pretzelisms, My Book of Expressions, etc., humorous compilations in Dutch dialect.

Harris, Joel Chandler, born 1848. The greatest exponent of the negro dialect. In the columns of the Atlanta Constitution, of which he is editor and part proprietor, his Uncle Remus sketches first saw the light, and proved enormously successful. His humour is delicate and fascinating, and as a consequence the Remus series of books have had a world-wide circulation. No lover of the humorous should overlook Mr. Harris’s work. American publishers, Appleton & Co.

Harte, Francis Bret, born 1836. Taking full advantage of his unique acquaintance with the West of America during the stirring days of ’49, when, in California, he was in turn gold-digger, express-rider, printer, and editor, Bret Harte has given to the world volume after volume of short stories which picture in an inimitable way the manners and men of the gold days. No writer is more characteristically American than he; his style is vivid and beautiful, and he has a wonderful fund of humour, which appears in every line he writes. His published works, prose and verse, are many. Messrs. Chatto & Windus have recently published a complete edition of his writings. American publishers, Houghton, Mifflin, & Co.

Hawthorne, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Like most men of exceptional worth in literature; he found great difficulty at first in getting his work published. After writing and destroying many tales, he published, at his own expense, a novel entitled Fanshawe, which proved a failure; and it was not until 1837 that he, or rather a friend, induced a publisher to bring out Twice-told Tales. In the spring of 1850 appeared The Scarlet Letter, which raised the author from obscurity to the front rank of American literature, and the works which followed established his position in the letters of his country.

Hay, Colonel John, born 1838, one of President Lincoln’s private secretaries during the war, and has since in collaboration written a history of the martyr-president. His reputation for humour was made by a small volume of verse entitled Pike Country Ballads. Best known of these ballads are “Little Breeches” and “Jim Bludso,” both strong pieces of verse.

Henderson, William James, born 1855, a New York journalist who has written much pleasant verse and prose.

Holland, Josiah Gilbert (1819-1881). For some time editor of Scribner’s Monthly (now the Century), and a writer who, though judged from a literary point of view is quite second class, still is popular with the reading public of America. He wrote a number of articles under the nom de plume of “Timothy Titcomb.”

Holley, Marietta. Under the pseudonym of “Josiah Allen’s Wife” she wrote a great deal of humorous matter. Author of My Opinions and Betsey Bobbet’s, My Wayward Partner, Josiah Allen’s Wife as a P. A. and P.I., etc.

Holmes, Dr. Oliver Wendell, born 1809, physician, novelist, essayist, and poet, began literary work at an early age, and for more than half a century has written industriously and with consistent success. The Breakfast-Table series is among the most read of all America’s humorous writings, and various short poems of a humorous nature, such as “The One-Hoss Shay,” “Contentment,” “The Spectre Pig,” etc., are in every compilation of humour. His chief works are The Autocrat at the Breakfast-Table, The Professor at the Breakfast-Table, The Poet at the Breakfast-Table, Songs of Many Seasons, Songs in Many Keys. He is one of the small band of humorists who are as carefully read and highly appreciated in the United Kingdom as in their native land. American publishers, Houghton, Mifflin, & Co.

Hooper, Johnson, J. (1815-1863), a native of North Carolina, studied law in Alabama, was made a judge, and in 1861 appointed Secretary of the Provisional Confederate Congress. He published Widow Rugby’s Husband and Adventures of Captain Simon Suggs. Clever, but somewhat broad in humour.

Hopkins, Lemuel (1750-1801), one of the “Hartford Wits,” and co-author and projector of The Anarchiad, a poem on State Rights, cuttingly sarcastic. He also wrote The Echo, The Political Greenhouse, and New Year’s Verses, all full of sarcasm.

Hopkinson, Francis (1737-1791), a telling, sarcastic writer, widely read in his lifetime, and author of the poem, “The Battle of the Kegs,” which remains famous. He was one of those who signed the Declaration of Independence. His son wrote “Hail, Columbia.”

Howard, Bronson (1842). The most successful American dramatist of the day, and almost the only American whose plays command attention in England. His plays, Saratoga, Truth, The Old Love and the New, Young Mrs. Winthrope, The Henrietta, and others are full of humour, and have been successful on both sides the Atlantic.

Howells, William Dean, born 1837. He is now America’s representative novelist, and has qualified for representation in a humorous book by his comedies, Out of the Question, A Counterfeit Presentment, The Parlour Car, The Sleeping Car, etc. He is an industrious writer. D. Douglas, Edinburgh, in his American author series, has included twenty-five of Mr. Howells’ works. The extract given in this book is from A Chance Acquaintance. American publishers, Houghton, Mifflin, & Co., and Osgood & Co.

Hoyt, Charles, humorous paragraphist of the Boston Post, the paper, by the way, which is credited with having originated the column of witty paragraphs now so popular with American and British papers.

Humphreys, David (1752-1818), served as aide-de-camp to Washington, and wrote lyrics of a patriotic nature for the good of the cause. He was an intimate friend of the first president, residing with and being treated as a member of the Washington family, and held many positions of trust. He was one of the famous “Hartford Wits.”

Hunter-Duvar, Lieutenant-Colonel John (1830), one of the principal literary men of Canada, his work polished, bright, and full of imagination. His “Emigration of the Fairies,” a poem of 117 stanzas of six lines each, is quite the best piece of verse as regards light, fantastical, imaginative humour that Canada has produced. Many of his lyrics are dainty and sweet, with a seventeenth century ring about them. He has published in verse De Roberval, a drama dealing with early life in Canada, The Triumph of Constancy, The Enamorado, and for private circulation, John a’ Var, his Lays.

Huntley, Stanley. In 1881 Mr. Huntley joined the staff of the Brooklyn Eagle, to which paper he contributed his famous “Spoopendyke” articles. He died before he had the opportunity of following up his success.

Irving, John Treat (1778-1838), a writer of sarcastic political verse.

Irving, Washington (1783-1859), author of those undying works of delightful and quaint humour, Rip Van Winkle, Sketch Book, History of New York by Diedrich Knickerbocker, etc. A hospitable, vivacious, good-natured, humorous man, who, at the opening of his career, was much harassed by business worries, and it was not until his books had scattered his fame broadcast, and the revenue from his writings began to accrue to him, that he could lead the life of hearty hospitality and freedom he loved. He was one of the small band of American authors which first attracted attention outside of their own country, and established the literary reputation of America.

Ike Marvel. See Mitchell, D. G.

James, Henry (1843). His stories are slight in plot, but worked out gracefully, and full of character delineation, vivacious, and witty.

Johnston, Richard Malcolm, born 1822, a native of Georgia, author of The Dukesborough Tales and Mark Langston.

Josiah Allen’s Wife. See Holley.

Keeler, Ralph (1840-1873). Mr. Keeler had an adventurous career, running away from home when a lad, serving as cabin-boy on a lake steamer, train-boy on a railway, joining several bands of strolling minstrels, worked in a post-office, visited Europe, and supported himself by correspondence with newspapers and lecturing. He published Three Years a Negro Minstrel, A Tour of Europe on $181, Gloverson and his Silent Partners (from which “A Breach of Promise Case” in this volume is taken), and Vagabond Adventures. He mysteriously disappeared while doing newspaper work in Cuba, and it is supposed he was murdered and thrown overboard from a steamer.

Kelly, Andrew W. (“Pharmenas Mix”), died 1888. A writer of humorous poetry, which appeared in the Century Magazine, Detroit Free Press, etc.

Kerr, Orpheus C. See Newell.

Kimball, Mather Dean (1849), a Wisconsin journalist who has written some dialect pieces of merit.

Landon, Melville D., “Eli Perkins,” born 1840. In 1871 he published his first book, a detailed history of the Franco-German war, and afterwards began writing in a lighter vein for various publications, among them the Chicago Tribune.

Lanigan, George Thomas (1845-1886), a Canadian journalist who drifted across the borders, and who, after filling important positions on the staff of many of the great American newspapers, died in Philadelphia. He was a brilliant and versatile journalist, and his poems, “The Ahkoond of Swat” and “Dirge of the Moolta Kotal,” are masterpieces of oddness of theme and wording.

Leland, Charles Godfrey (1824). Best known to lovers of the humorous as the author of the laughable Breitmann Ballads. Since fifteen years of age Mr. Leland has been busy with his pen, and there is no greater authority on folk-lore, superstition, and legend than he. He has written many volumes of verse, sketches of travel, etc., and is still (1893) hard at work.

Lewis, Charles B., “M Quad,” born 1842. The creator of His Honor and Bijah, his first great success; The Lime Kiln Club, with all its comical darkey characters; Carl Dunder, the unsophisticated Dutchman who is always being “shwindled”; The Arisona Kicker, whose editor keeps a private graveyard; and Mr. and Mrs. Bowser. “M Quad” is without question the greatest newspaper humorist of America. His style is deliciously original; he can write weekly for years on the same subject without wearying the reader. “Quad” is popularly known as the Detroit Free Press man, from his long connection with that weekly.

Lighthall William Douw, born 1857. His Songs of the Great Dominion, a collection of verse by various Canadian writers, attracted considerable attention in this kingdom. His works are, An Analysis of the Altruistic Act, Sketch of a New Utilitarianism, Thoughts, Moods, and Ideas (a collection of verse), and a novel, The Young Seigneur. He has paid little attention to humorous writing.

Locke, David Ross, “Petroleum V. Nasby” (1833-1888). A political humorist and satirical writer, whose works have left their impression on American political life. He was editor of the Toledo Blade. His principal published works are, Swinging Round the Circle, The Moral History of Americans Little Struggle, and A Paper City.

Logan, John E., a Canadian who, under the nom de guerre of “Barry Dane,” has written some clever humorous pieces. See Lighthall’s Songs of the Great Dominion.

Longstreet, Augustus Baldwin (1790-1870), in turn a lawyer, legislator, judge, editor, Methodist minister, college president, and farmer. He was a ready and brilliant speaker, and an industrious writer of humour and pathos. His Georgia, Scenes, Characters, and Incidents, first published in periodicals, and afterwards collected in book form, were widely read. The papers are full of humour, rather broad, but it is said by those who know, truly characteristic of the place and period.

Low, Samuel, born 1765. Author of two volumes of poetry, containing many pieces of a humorous character.

Lowell, James Russell (1819-1891), poet, essayist, and diplomat. One of the foremost literary geniuses of America. His first volume of poems was published in 1838, under the title of Class Poems. In 1841 followed A Year’s Life, consisting mainly of love poems, only a few of which the author in later years considered worth republishing. In the year 1846 the Biglow Papers began appearing in the columns of the Boston Courier, and it was not until 1848 that what is probably the most remarkable series of satirical poems which ever appeared were furnished. For wit, insight into human nature, and finish, these poems, in the peculiar dialect of the “down-easter,” must be considered nothing short of perfect. These poems had an instantaneous effect on America, and raised the question of slavery and corruption in politics to the eyes of the people in a way they had never before been presented. Mr. Lowell was an out-and-out democrat and a fearless exponent of democracy of the kind established by the founders of American independence. His works, of which a complete and excellent edition is published by Messrs. Macmillan & Co., London, are numerous, the best known being Class Poems, A Year’s Life, Poems (1844), The Vision of Sir Launfal (1848), Conversations on some of the Old Poets (1945), Poems (1848), The Biglow Papers, A Fable for Critics, Poems (1849), Life of Keats, Mason and Slidell, Fireside Travels, The President’s Policy, Biglow Papers (second series), Under the Willows, Among my Books, Democracy, and other Addresses. Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin, & Co. have published a complete edition of his works in America.

MacClurg, Dr. James (1747-1825), a writer of the dainty vers de sociÉtÉ, which has since become so popular with a school of modern writers.

MacDowell, Mrs. Kate (1853-1883), a writer of humorous sketches in vernacular, and published by Harper’s. Pseudonym, “Sherwood Bonner.”

M’Lennan, William, Canadian. His French-Canadian dialect sketches and stories are full of humour, and the dialect is perfect. See Lighthall’s Songs of the Great Dominion.

Miles O’Reilly. See Halpine.

Miller, Cincinnatus Hiner, “Joaquin” (1841). The most American of all America’s poets. In his youth he took to gold-mining in California, afterwards acting as express-rider, later on drifted into journalism, and began his literary career while judge of Grant county, Oregon. His best-known works are Songs of the Sierras, Songs of Sunland, Songs of the Desert, Songs of the Mexican Seas, and In Classic Shades. He has not written much in a humorous vein, but his “William Brown of Oregon,” “That Gentle Man from Boston Town,” and “Saratoga and the Psalmist,” all humorous verse, have been widely read.

Mitchell, Donald Grant, born 1822. His delicate health compelled him to abandon the study of law, and he has spent most of his time in landscape gardening, writing, and travelling. His first book, Fresh Gleanings, or a New Sheaf from the Old Field of Continental Europe, was published in 1847, and in 1850 his widely-read work, Reveries of a Bachelor, appeared. In the sixties appeared the “Edgewood” series of books from his pen. Most of his humorous work appeared under the pen-name of “Ike Marvel.”

Mitchell, Dr. Samuel Latham (1764-1831), a valuable and voluminous writer on scientific subjects. He was a humorist in his way.

Moore, Clement Clarke (1779-1863). He wrote the famous piece of verse beginning—

Morris, George P. (1802-1864), began writing for the press when but fifteen years of age, and during his lifetime saw many of his poems attain international celebrity. In 1823, he, in conjunction with Samuel Woodworth, established the New York Mirror, and in 1843, with N. P. Willis, the New Mirror; and in 1845 himself founded the National Press, afterwards the Home Journal. The Little Frenchman and his Water-Lots, a volume of prose sketches, published in 1839, was widely read; but his greatest hits were made by the songs, “Woodman, spare that Tree,” “We were Boys together,” “My Mother’s Bible,” and “Whip-poor-will.”

Morton, Thomas, born in England about 1575; died in America, 1646. During his adventurous life he caused Miles Standish and his Puritan followers a great deal of trouble, being many times imprisoned for misdeeds. He wrote a book, of which the following is a copy of the title-page:—“New English Canaan or New Canaan, containing an abstract of New England, composed in three Bookes. The first Booke setting forth the originall of the Natives, their Manners and Customs, together with their tractable Nature and Love towards the English. The second Booke setting forth, what people are planted there, their prosperity, what remarkable accidents have happened since the first planting of it, together with their Tenents and practise of their Church. Written by Thomas Morton of Clifford’s Inne gent, upon Tenne years knowledge and experiment of the country. Printed at Amsterdam by Jacob Frederick Stain in the yeare 1637.” This book is full of ridicule of all things pertaining to the Puritans.

M Quad. See Lewis.

Mrs. Partington. See Shillaber.

Munkettrick, Richard Kendall (1853), a writer of prose and verse, full of subtle and refined humour. He contributes to all the standard publications of America.

Nash, Thomas, born 1840, came into public notice during the Civil War by his strong caricatures, and has ever since been considered one of America’s best caricaturists.

Neal, John (1793-1876). “Yankee Neal,” as he was called, at the age of thirty, set sail for England, determined that the British people should no longer be able to say that no one reads an American book. This pioneer of American literature began writing in London, and was successful beyond his expectation. Among the twenty volumes from his pen are Brother Jonathan, The Down Easters, One Word More, and Keep Cool.

Neal, Joseph Clay (1807-1847). In 1831 he edited the Pennsylvanian, and a few years later established the Saturday Gazette, a humorous and satirical publication, which was widely read. His Charcoal Sketches were republished in London under the auspices of Charles Dickens.

Newell, Robert Henry (1836). His “Orpheus C. Kerr” papers, humorous and satirical, met with great success during the days of the Civil War, and still continue popular. After these papers, The Palace Beautiful and Versatilities are his best-known works Some of his verse is clever, and “The Great Fight” is to be found in most collections of American humour.

Nye, Edgar Wilson, born 1850. One of the most popular newspaper humorists of America. He studied law in Wyoming territory, but the farcical sketches which he contributed to different newspapers soon took the public fancy, and he removed to New York, where he now (1893) resides. He has published a number of collections of his sketches.

Orpheus Junior. See Vaughan.

Page, Thomas Nelson, born 1853. Brought up on a Southern plantation; educated at Washington, and is now practising law at Richmond, Virginia. His negro dialect stories, full of the kindly humour of the South, have attracted much attention. His first volume, In Ole Virginia, was published in 1887.

Paulding, James Kirke (1779-1860). Making the acquaintance of Washington Irving, the two formed a strong liking for each other, and in 1807, Salmajundi, their joint production, was issued, and its success was great. In 1812 Mr. Paulding published The Diverting History of John Bull and Brother Jonathan, and this was followed by The Lay of the Scottish Fiddle, Letters from the South, John Bull in America, Chronicle of the City of Gotham, The Dutchman’s Fireside, Westward Ho, The Book of St. Nicholas, and many other works of exceptional merit.

Peck, George W., author of the “Peck’s Bad Boy” series of articles, began life as a printer’s devil, entered the army in 1863, and when peace was declared returned to Wisconsin and made his name as a humorous writer in the columns of Peck’s Sun, Milwaukee. Since the famous articles were published Mr. Peck has entered politics, and for some years held the position of Governor of Wisconsin.

Pete Pareau. See Wright.

Peters, Samuel (1735-1826), author of General History of Connecticut, a satire.

Petroleum V. Nasby. See Locke.

Pharmenas Mix. See Kelly.

Pomeroy, Marcus Mills, born 1833. After an apprenticeship to journalism in the West, he founded in New York, 1868, the Brick Pomeroy Democrat, which for sensationalism was unsurpassed in the history of American journalism. He has the reputation of being able to tell a plainer lie—professionally, of course—than any man in America. His principal books are Sense, Nonsense, Brick Dust, Home Harmonies, and Perpetual Money.

“Porte Crayon.” See Strother.

Riley, James Whitcomb (1854). Mr. Riley is writing the typically American verse of the day, and his work is now read by a larger public than any other American poet finds. His poems, humorous or otherwise, are full of tender feeling, and in them the tear invariably accompanies the smile. He has a perfect command of the country dialects, and pictures as no other writer seems able to do, the humorous and the pathetic side of American life. A number of his books have been published in England. Old Fashioned Roses, by Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co., and other volumes by Messrs. Gay & Bird. In America the Bowen-Merrill Co., Indianapolis, publish The Old Swimmin’-Hole, and ’Leven More Poems; The Boss Girl, and other Sketches and Poems; and Afterwhiles. Mr. Riley’s verses, “Old Man and Jim,” and “Little Orphant Annie,” are popular with reciters on both sides the Atlantic.

Roche, James Jeffrey (1847), editor of the Boston Pilot, and author of Songs and Satires. Has written a great deal of humorous verse.

Russell, Irwin (1853-1879). According to Joel Chandler Harris, Mr. Russell was the first Southern writer to appreciate the literary possibilities of the negro character. Mr. Russell’s short life was one of hard work and disappointments, and it was not until after his death that his poems were collected and published. “Christmas Night in the Quarters” is the best of his poems.

Sanderson, John (1783-1844). The American in England and The American in Paris are works which attained wide circulation at the time of publication.

Saxe, John Godfrey (1816-1887), a humorist whose command of rhyme was as complete as that of “Ingoldsby.” He was a prolific writer of humorous verse, and also wrote much that is in a serious vein. Mr. Saxe was an ardent politician, holding the position of State Attorney for Cheltenden, co. Vt., and in 1859, and again in 1860, was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for governor of that state. Many of his poems saw original publication in Harper’s Magazine and the Atlantic Monthly.

Scollard, Clinton (1860), a writer of fanciful and sparkling verse. His books of verse, Pictures in Song, With Reed and Lyre, and Old and New World Lyrics, have been successful.

Seccomb, John (1708-1793). Educated at Harvard, and settled as a minister at Chester, Nova Scotia, where he died. Author of “Father Abbey’s Will,” a humorous piece of verse, published in the Gentleman’s Magazine, May 1732.

Shanly, Charles Dawson (1811-1875), born in Ireland and died in Florida. He is claimed as a Canadian, he having held a government office for fifteen years in Canada before going to New York to engage in journalism. He was editor of Vanity Fair and Mrs. Grundy, New York publications, and contributed to the New York Leader, Atlantic Monthly, and other periodicals. He wrote “A Jolly Bear and his Friends,” “The Monkey of Porto Bello,” “The Truant Chicken,” and “The Walker of the Snow,” a well-known poem. See Lighthall’s Songs of the Great Dominion.

Sharp, Luke. See Robert Barr.

Shaw, Henry Wheeler, 1818-1885 (“Josh Billings”). In compilations of American humour “Josh Billings” has always been popular. His pungent paragraphs are very convenient to fill the chinks between longer articles. A great deal of his humour is in the spelling; but his “sayings” are full of philosophy and wisdom, to which the orthography gives a certain quaintness. His publications are Josh Billings his Sayings, Josh Billings on Ice, Every Boddy’s Friend, and Josh Billings’ Spice Box.

Shelton, Frederick William (1814-1881), author of The Trollopiad, Rector of St. Bardolph’s, Peeps from the Belfry, etc. Mr. Shelton was a clergyman who found authorship more congenial and profitable, and so devoted himself to writing.

Sherman, Frank Dempster (1860), author of Madrigals and Catches and Lyrics for a Lute, volumes of dainty verse.

“Sherwood Bonner.” See MacDowell.

Shillaber, Benjamin P. (1814-1890). No series of newspaper articles in the humorous vein attracted greater attention than that written by Mr. Shillaber under the nom de guerre “Mrs. Partington.” These short articles were full of good-natured humour, and never failed to draw a smile from the reader.

Sill, Edward Rowland (1841-1887). His poems contain a few pieces of pleasant fancy.

Small, Samuel W., born 1851, a Southern humorist who published articles under the pseudonym “Old Si.”

Smith, James (1720-1806), a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Alexander Graydon, in his Memoirs, says that Smith was accounted a consummate humorist by those who knew him.

Smith, Major Charles H., “Bill Arp,” born 1826. His humorous sketches, published in the Atlanta Constitution, have long been popular reading in the Southern States. He served in the Confederate army during the war.

Smith, Rev. William Wye (1827), a Canadian writer whose poems are popular in his native country. See Lighthall’s Songs of the Great Dominion.

Smith, Seba, nom de guerre, “Major Jack Downing” (1792-1868). A journalist who, after editing the Eastern Argus, Family Recorder, and Portland Daily Courier, wrote during the presidency of Jackson the famous series of satirical letters which made the name “Jack Downing” celebrated in America. In 1842 he removed from Portland to New York city, and published Powhatan, New Elements of Geometry, Way Down East. He was all his life a journalist.

Spoopendyke. See Huntley.

Steel, Richard, famous paragraphist of Chicago from about 1870 to 1882.

Stockton, Francis Richard, born 1834. Educated in Philadelphia, he first became an engraver, but abandoned this for journalism. After some experience in newspaper work he joined the staff of Scribner’s Monthly, and subsequently was appointed assistant-editor of St. Nicholas. His first great success was made with the Rudder Grange stories, and few short stories have attracted such a reading public as “The Lady or the Tiger.” All his writings are rich in quiet and quaint humour, and no writer can tell a more genial and interesting story. A convenient-sized and inexpensive edition of his works, including Rudder Grange, from which “Pomona’s Novel” is taken, The Lady or the Tiger? and other Stories, and A Borrowed Month, and other Stories, is published by David Douglas, Edinburgh. American publishers, Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Strother, David Hunter (1816-1888), an artist as well as a humorous writer. He wrote under the nom de guerre of “Porte Crayon,” and illustrated his own work. Published works, The Blackwater Chronicle and Virginia Illustrated.

Sweet, Alexander Edwin, Canadian, born 1841. After an adventurous youth he became editor of the San Antoine Express in 1869, and later, with Colonel Knox, conducted Texas Siftings. For a time the weekly was published in Texas, but afterwards the office was moved to New York.

Thompson, Benjamin (1640-16—). A native of Massachusetts, a graduate of Harvard, and generally credited with being the first poet born in America. He wrote in satirical vein New England’s Crisis.

Thompson, Daniel Pierce (1793-1868). Began his literary career with a satirical novel entitled, The Adventures of Timothy Peacock, Esq.; or, Freemasonry Practically Illustrated, which caused quite a stir among Freemasons and others in 1835.

Thompson, Maurice (1844), author of Songs of Fair Weather, By-Ways and Bird Notes, Sylvan Secrets, etc. An intense lover of nature and out-door life, as his poems show. See Professor Roberts’ Poems of Wild Life, “Canterbury Poets.”

Thompson, Mortimer H. (1830-1875). Wrote under the nom de guerre “Q. K. Philander Doesticks.” His work for a time was popular in the newspapers of “the States.” Author of The Dodge Club.

Thompson, William Tappan (1812-1882). He wrote a number of articles known as the “Major Jones’ Series,” in which the humour is plentiful. He was the first white child born in the Western Reserve.

Thoreau, Henry David (1817-1862), one of the best known of the New England “transcendentalists.” He has a fine vein of ironic humour. His Walden and A Week on the Concord and Merrimac Rivers have had a wide circulation in England.

Timothy Titcomb. See Holland.

Trowbridge, John Townsend (1827). The most popular writer of stories for boys in America. His work usually appears in the Youths’ Companion, Boston. His pathetically humorous poem, “The Vagabonds,” is a favourite with reciters in England as well as America.

Trowbridge, Robertson, a verse-writer whose work has appeared in the Century Magazine.

Turnbull, John (1751-1831), author of The Progress of Dulness and MacFingal.

Tyler, Royall (1757-1826), a lawyer who in 1794 was made Judge of the Supreme Court, and in 1800 Supreme Justice. He was the first to use the Yankee dialect in literature, and his play, The Contrast, has the distinction of being “the first American play ever acted on a regular stage by an established company of comedians.” May-Day, or New York in an Uproar; The Georgia Spec., or Land in the Moon; and The Algerine Captive, are from his pen.

Vandegrift, Margaret, a frequent contributor of humorous verse to the Century and other publications.

Vaughan, Sir William (1577-1640), who established a small settlement in Newfoundland early in the seventeenth century, published in London, 1626, under the pseudonym of “Orpheus Junior,” a humorous poem, entitled “The Golden Fleece.” He was a Welsh physician, and died in Newfoundland.

Ward, Nathaniel, born between 1578-80, died 1652. He was a Puritan minister whose convictions got him into trouble with Archbishop Laud, and in 1633 he was deprived of his living. The next year he sailed for America and settled at Ipswich, and there compiled for Massachusetts the “Body of Liberties,” which was adopted in 1641. In 1645-46 he wrote “The Simple Cobbler of Aggawam in America,” a witty, stinging pamphlet, partisan and patriotic. This was published in England, and during the year 1647 four editions were sold. He returned to England and died at Shenfield, in Essex.

Warner, Charles Dudley (1829), a prolific writer of sketches and stories, through all of which runs a graceful vein of refined humour. He now does the “Editor’s Study” in Harper’s Magazine. His best-known books are, My Summer in a Garden, Back-Log Studies, Mummies and Moslems, Baddeck, and in collaboration with Mark Twain, The Gilded Age. London publishers, Sampson Low, Marston, & Co. American publishers, Houghton, Mifflin, & Co., and Henry Holt & Co.

Webb, Charles Henry (1834), a successful inventor as well as writer of humorous verse and prose. Some of his earlier work was published under the nom de guerre of “John Paul.” American Humorous Verse (“Canterbury Poets”) contains some of his best work.

Webb, George, an Englishman by birth, contemporary of Benjamin Franklin, author of Bachelors’ Hall. He studied at Oxford, took to the stage, failed, and, joining the army, was sent to America, where he deserted, and worked as a printer in Philadelphia.

Weems, Mason Locke (1760-1825), an eccentric character: clergyman, story-teller, fiddler, and historian and book agent. In the latter capacity, and with his fiddle always within reach, he travelled through the rural districts of America, present at every merry-making, and always pressing his wares on the people. He wrote much in the way of history, in which a little fact suffices to carry a great deal of entertaining fiction; and it is on his doubtful authority that the famous story of Washington and his hatchet has been given to the world.

Whitcher, Mrs. Frances Miriam, “Widow Bedott” (1812-1852). Her “Widow Bedott” papers, although not of a high type of humour, were immensely popular in her lifetime, and are still read.

Widow Bedott. See Whitcher.

Wilcox, Ella Wheeler (1845?), a prolific writer of verse; one of the chief literary women of America. Author of Drops of Water, Maurine, Shells, Poems of Passion (which caused a great stir at the time of publication), and Poems of Pleasure.

Williams, John H., “The Norristown Herald Man.” His humorous writings were widely quoted during the “seventies.”

Willis, Nathaniel Parker (1806-1867). He edited the New York Mirror, and under his care that weekly became the foremost literary paper of America, and continued to hold that position while Mr. Willis continued with it. He was the author of a large number of religious poems as well as many that were of a humorous turn.

Wood, William, born in England about 1580, died in America 1639. After paying a visit to Massachusetts in 1629, he finally settled at Sandwich in that state, and became town clerk in 1637. In London was published his book; the following is a copy of the title-page:—“Nevv England’s Prospect. A true, lively, and experimentall description of that part of America commonly called Nevv England; discovering the state of that countrie, both as it stands to our new-come English Planters; and to the old Native Inhabitants. Laying downe that which may both enrich the knowledge of the mind-travelling Reader, or benefit the future Voyager, by William Wood. Printed at London by Ro. Cotes for Iohn Bellamie, and are to be sold at his shop, at the Three Golden Lyons in Corne-hill, neere the Royall Exchange, 1634.”

Wright, Robert Wm. (1816-1885). His Vision of Judgment and The Church Knaviad are strong in satire.

Wright, Robert H. (1868), author of the “Pete Parean” papers, written in the French-Canadian patois. The dialect is not first-class, but the papers are humorous.

Wyoming Kit held a position on the Detroit Free Press for a few months, during which time he contributed verse that was quoted all over “the States.” He suddenly disappeared, and it is not known where he is now. His name was Adams.