Author Description

Albert Bigelow Paine (July 10, 1861 - April 9, 1937) was an American author and biographer best known for his work with Mark Twain. Paine was a member of the Pulitzer Prize Committee and wrote in several genres, including fiction, humor, and verse.Biography--Paine's house in Xenia. Paine was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts and was moved to Bentonsport, Iowa when one year old. From early childhood until early adulthood, Paine lived in the village of Xenia in southern Illinois; here he received his schooling. His home in Xenia is still standing. At the age of twenty, he moved to St. Louis, where he trained as a photographer, and became a dealer in photographic supplies in Fort Scott, Kansas. Paine sold out in 1895 to become a full-time writer, moving to New York. He spent most of his life in Europe, including France where he wrote two books about Joan of Arc. This work was so well received in France that he was awarded the title of Chevalier in the Légion d'honneur by the French government....... William Francis "Frank" Ver Beck (June 1, 1858 - July 13, 1933)was an American illustrator known for his comedic drawings of animals.He was born in Richland Township, Belmont County, Ohio as the son of a shoemaker. He studied art and woodcarving under Mansfield, Ohio artist Robert R. "Railroad" Smith and worked as a wood engraver. In 1881 or 1882, Ver Beck moved to New York City. There he studied art and became a freelance illustrator for magazines including[disambiguation needed]Scribner's, The Ladies Home Journal, and Collier's.....