O. Henry

Date of Birth: September 11, 1862

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: June 5, 1910

Biography

William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name O. Henry, was an American short story writer born on September 11, 1862, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is renowned for his witty and twist-ending stories that often capture the spirit of early 20th-century America. Porter initially worked various jobs, including as a pharmacist, draftsman, and bank teller, before turning to a full-time writing career. O. Henry’s writing career began in earnest when he moved to New York City, where he wrote a story a week for over a year for the New York World Sunday Magazine. His most famous works include “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Last Leaf.” Despite his success, Porter’s life was not without hardship. He was convicted of embezzlement in 1896 and served three years in federal prison, where he began writing short stories to support his daughter. After his release, he adopted the pen name O. Henry to start afresh. He continued to write prolifically until his death on June 5, 1910, in New York City.

5 Interesting Facts about O. Henry

1. O. Henry was actually a licensed pharmacist before becoming a writer.

2. He wrote many of his famous stories while serving time in prison for embezzlement.

3. The pen name “O. Henry” was reportedly chosen at random from a newspaper.

4. His short story “The Ransom of Red Chief” has been adapted into multiple films and TV episodes.

5. O. Henry’s grave in Asheville, North Carolina, has a plaque that reads “O. Henry — Gift of Genius.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from O. Henry

1. “Write what you like; there is no other rule.”

2. “Life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating.”

3. “We can’t buy one minute of time with cash; if we could, rich people would live longer.”

4. “Turn up the lights; I don’t want to go home in the dark.”

5. “No friendship is an accident.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

O. Henry did not amass significant wealth; his highest net worth is estimated to have been modest, just enough to support his writing and living expenses.