"Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating."
O. Henry
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William Sydney Porter (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910), known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American writer. O. Henry's short stories are known for their wit, wordplay, warm characterization, and clever twist endings.
Facts about life:
- Only formal education received from his aunt,who taught him to love books.
- His uncle taught him to be a pharmacist.
- At age 20, he moved to Texas and started to writeunder his pen name, “O. Henry,” - said to comefrom the frequent calling of, “Oh, Henry,” the family cat.
- In 1891, he became a teller at the First National Bank inAustin, Texas
- In 1896, he was accused of embezzling money from the bank.
- He fled to New Orleans, and later to Honduras, leaving behind his wife and young daughter.
- He learned that his wife was dying, returned to America, surrendered to police.
- Much debate over his guilt, but he was convicted and sentenced to five years in jail.
- In 1898, he was sent to the penitentiary in Columbus,Ohio.
- In prison, he began writing short stories to support his young daughter.
- He published 12 stories while in prison. He was released after three years for good behavior.
- Emerged from prison as, “O. Henry,” to shield his identity.
- Moved to New York City in 1902, published over 300 stories and gained world wide acclaim.
- In 1906 he published a collection called, “The FourMillion,” that included, “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Skylight Room,” and, “The Green Door.”
- One of his last stories, “The Ransom of Red Chief,” isperhaps his best known story.
