James Whitcomb Riley was born on October 7th 1849. Riley began his career writing verses as a sign maker as well as submitting poems to newspapers for publication. Helped by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow he began to work at a succession of Indiana newspapers. During the 1880's a series of poetry tours helped his rise to prominence, first in the mid-West and then nationally. His style—he became widely known as 'The Hoosier Poet'—became

Poet and author James Whitcomb Riley was born on October 7th 1849 in Greenfield, Indiana. Better known as the "Hoosier Poet" for his work with regional dialects, and also as the "Children's Poet" Riley was born into an influential and well off family. However his education was spotty but he was surrounded by creativity which was to stand him in good stead later in life. His early career was a series of low paid temporary jobs. After stints as a