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.