Atkinson, Eleanor (1863–1942)

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Atkinson, Eleanor (1863–1942)

American author of 11 books, primarily for children, including Johnny Appleseed. Name variations: (pseudonym) Nora Marks. Born Eleanor Stackhouse, January7, 1863, in Renselaer, Indiana; died on November 4, 1942, in Orangeburg, New York; daughter of Isaac M. and Margaret (Smith) Stackhouse; educated at Indianapolis Normal Training School; married Francis Blake Atkinson (journalist), in 1891; children: two daughters (who write under the pseudonyms Dorothy and Eleanor Blake).

Selected works:

Greyfriars Bobby (1912); Johnny Appleseed (1915).

Following graduation from Indianapolis Normal Training School, Eleanor Atkinson began her career as a teacher, first in Indianapolis, then in Chicago. She left teaching to write for the Chicago Tribune, where she used the pseudonym Nora Marks. She was introduced to Francis Blake Atkinson, the news editor for the Chicago Evening Post, whom she married in 1891. Together, the Atkinsons applied their knowledge of periodicals and children to produce The Little Chronicle, a weekly paper for grammar and high-school students. Once the paper was established, they sold it and took their talents to F.E. Compton Company, where they edited and wrote a student encyclopedia. Meanwhile, Eleanor wrote novels for children, the most famous of which is Johnny Appleseed. The book was published in 1915, three years before Atkinson retired from writing.

The Atkinsons had two daughters who became authors and assumed the pseudonyms Dorothy Blake and Eleanor Blake. Following her husband's death, Atkinson moved from Chicago to Long Island, where she lived with her daughter "Eleanor." Atkinson died on November 4, 1942, in Orangeburg, New York.