born Oct. 7, 1849, Greenfield, Ind., U.S.
died July 22, 1916, Indianapolis, Ind.
U.S. poet.
He came into touch with the populace of rural Indiana through his early work experiences. His verse contributions to the Indianapolis Daily Journal , written in Hoosier dialect ostensibly by a farmer, established his reputation as "the poet of the common people." His best-known poems include "When the Frost Is on the Punkin" and "The Raggedy Man." Among his many collections are The Old Swimmin' Hole (1883), Pipes o' Pan at Zekesbury (1888), and Home Folks (1900).