Walter D. Edmonds

Walter D. Edmonds was born and raised in New York, specifically in Boonville, a town located just a short distance from the Erie Canal. His childhood experiences near the canal would later become a significant influence in his writing, providing rich and authentic details for his stories. Initially, Edmonds had plans to pursue chemical engineering when he joined Choate Rosemary Hall, an elite school in Connecticut, in 1919.

However, Edmonds' career trajectory took an unexpected turn when he became the editor of Choate Literary Magazine. This new role sparked his interest in writing, leading him to abandon his plans for chemical engineering and instead pursue a career as an author. Edmonds' writing career would prove to be a successful one, as he would go on to become a National Book Award winner and recipient of the Newbery Medal.

Throughout his career, Edmonds wrote several notable books, including Bert Breen’s Barn, The Boyds of Black River, In the Hands of the Senecas, Mostly Canallers, Rome Haul, Time to Go House, and the autobiographical Tales My Father Never Told. All of these books were published by Syracuse University Press, showcasing Edmonds' talent for storytelling and his deep understanding of the human condition. His works continue to be celebrated for their historical accuracy, compelling characters, and engaging narratives.