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Eugene FieldAmerican writer, known for his poems for children and humorous stories.
Date of Birth: 02.09.1850
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Eugene Field
American writer, known for his children's poems and humorous stories. Eugene Field was an American writer, editor, and journalist, best known for his series of children's works and a number of humorous essays. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, where the house he spent his childhood in now serves as the Eugene Field House Museum and the St. Louis Toy Museum. In 1856, Field's mother passed away, and his cousin Mary Field French took on the responsibility of his upbringing. Eugene Field's father, Roswell Martin Field, is best known as the legal representative of Dred Scott, a slave who sought his freedom through a court case. It is widely believed that the Dred Scott vs. John Sandford case indirectly contributed to the start of the Civil War. Eugene received his higher education at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. At the age of 19, Field lost his father and had to leave college after eight months of study. He later transferred to Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, but only stayed there for a year.
Journalism and Writing Career
Field tried his hand at various professions, including acting and law, but found success as a journalist. He began writing for a student newspaper and eventually found a position as an editor for the St. Joseph Gazette in Saint Joseph, Missouri. In the same year, he married Julia Comstock, with whom he had eight children. Interestingly, Field would send all his earnings to his wife, claiming he had no need for money himself. His humorous and entertaining articles gained popularity and were widely reprinted by newspapers across the country. Field held editorial positions in St. Louis and Denver before moving to Chicago.
Writing Poetry and Stories
Field started writing poetry in 1879, and his light-hearted and kind verses quickly became beloved by American children. He published more than a dozen collections of poetry and also wrote stories. In 1883, Field relocated to Chicago, where he contributed a popular humorous column to the Chicago Daily News.
Legacy
Eugene Field passed away in Chicago in 1895 from a heart attack at the age of 45. His name lives on in the hearts of Americans. He has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and numerous elementary schools across the country are named in his honor. His poems have been set to music and have been republished in various collections.
