Did you read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz growing up? On this day in 1856, author L. Frank Baum was born in Chittenango, New York.
L.Frank Baum / Library of Congress
The popular children’s book author was born Lyman Frank Baum to Cynthia Ann Stanton and Benjamin Ward Baum, a successful businessman, and grew up on his family’s estate, Rose Lawn. A sickly child, Baum began writing at a young age. After his father gifted him a cheap printing press, Baum began publishing his own small newspaper, The Rose Lawn Home Journal.
After starting his career as a journalist, Baum turned to writing children’s books. In 1900, he published his most successful novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He would write 13 more books in the Oz series before his death on May 5, 1919.
Although he wrote over 50 novels, over 80 short stories, and over 200 poems, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz remains the most popular work of his career. In 1939, the book was adapted into the classic musical film, The Wizard of Oz, and starred Judy Garland as Dorothy. Fun fact: According to Geni’s World Family Tree, Baum and Garland are 13th cousins once removed!
Explore L. Frank Baum’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the author!
View L. Frank Baum’s Geni Profile
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Source: Geni.com
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