Edward Stratemeyer
Author and Literary Agent, 1876-1906
by James D. Keeline
Edward Stratemeyer in 1891, age 29.
As a boy, Edward Stratemeyer (1862-1930) was an enthusiastic
reader of the works of Horatio Alger, Jr. (1834-1899) and “Oliver
Optic” (William T. Adams (1822-1897)). He is said to have declared
that if he could write stories like those of his favorite writers, he
would be the happiest person alive.1
Edward Stratemeyer was born to Henry J. Stratemeyer (1815-1891)
and Anna Siegel (1828-1905) on October 4, 1862. He was the young-
est son of Henry, who emigrated from Germany to the United
States in 1837.2 The Stratemeyer family came from a distinguished
line of “scholars, churchmen and musicians.”3
Henry traveled west to California in search of Gold and was listed
in the 1850 U.S. Census in California.4 Edward alluded to his
father’s background in the introduction to Oliver Bright’s Search
(Lee & Shepard, 1899) . The wedding ring of Edward’s daughter,
Harriet Stratemeyer (1892-1982), to Russell V. Adams (1888-1965)
was made from a nugget of gold found by Henry Stratemeyer.5
Henry returned to the East upon learning of the death of his elder
brother, George Edward Stratemeyer (1819-1854), the first husband
of Anna Siegel, who had died during the cholera epidemic.6 After
settling his brother’s estate, he married Anna. Henry opened a
tobacco store (212 Morris Ave., Elizabeth, NJ) and several of his sons
and nephews (George’s children) worked there as well as opening
stores of their own.7
Early Writing
Edward attended public schools and graduated as valedictorian of
the three-student class of 1879 from Public School No. 3 of Eliza-
beth, NJ.8 Observing his interest in writing, the principal of the
school, William D. Heyer, gave Edward additional instruction in
writing and rhetoric.9
While still in school, Stratemeyer began what would become his
writing career. An early story, “Dick’s Composition,” was writ-
ten when he was 14 and published years later in the Christmas
1883 issue of The Experiment, a short-lived amateur story paper
from New Bedford, MA.10
Around the same time that this story was written, Stratemeyer
collaborated with a young friend, named McNeirny, to put out at
least one issue of an amateur story paper called Our Friend.11
The first page of this small publication features the beginning of a
serial called “Revenge! or, The Newsboy’s Adventure.” The first
installment is unsigned but appears to be by Stratemeyer. The
hero is
a tall boy about fifteen of age, his face was not of the common
type, his clothes too was neat and clean. [sic]
This was Edward Burnett generally called Ned the Newsboy.12
The story continues and tells of Ned’s father who had been a banker
in New York but has taken a new job as a detective and his current
case invoves counterfeiters.13
Ned took a deep interest in all the cases which his father unrav-
eled and declared that he would become a detective when old
enough.14
The story is cut off after a few dozen words into the second chap-
ter. It seems unlikely, however, that additional issues were
published.
A few months later, Stratemeyer published another small story
paper on his own which was called The Young American. 15 This
single issue fragment contains the first installment of “Tom and
Elizabeth Public School No. 3 and its principal, William D. Heyer.
 Two amateur story papers containing some of Stemeyer’s earliest writing: Our Friend (1876) and The Young American (1877).

Matt; or, The first Pantomime.”16 This issue contained ads for
stamp collectors from various parts of the country. The
entrepeneurs offered between 25¢ and 75¢ for the placement of
their ad copy. The publisher was requested to send a specimen
copy of the publication to receive payment. Another copy of the
story, slightly longer than the one published in The Young Ameri-
can fragment was typeset as if it were to be published as a book
with a single wide column per page rather than two columns.
It is possible that these two publications were school projects. It
was not unusual for schools to have a newspaper and possibly
these were an additional use for that equipment. One of the sto-
ries about Edward Stratemeyer’s childhod was that he had a toy
printing press and that he published small items to amuse his
friends and family.17
Around this same time, Stratemeyer published two small chap-
books. The first was That Bottle of Vinegar in 1877.18 This
four-page booklet is very small and has a yellow cover. The ink
was not allowed to dry sufficiently and text from facing pages can
be seen in the two known copies.
The second of these, The Tale of a Lumberman (1878)19 is much

That Bottle of Vinegar (1877) and Tale of a Lumberman As Told by Himself (1878).
 The lumber mill of A. Heidritter & Sons in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
longer (approximately 32 pages) and appears to transcribe the ad-
ventures of a trip into the Maine woods. Five copies of this latter
booklet are known, including three at NYPL and two in private
hands. At first the subject matter of the booklet seems beyond
Stratemeyer’s experience until it is remembered that his sister,
Anna, married Frederick L. Heidritter, who owned a lumber mill
with his brother August. 20
At his high school graduation in 1879 at the age of 16, Stratemeyer
delivered the valedictory address on the topic of “Experience.”21
Afterward, Stratemeyer received additional tutoring from
W.D. Heyer, and he maintained a life-long friendship with his
school principal and even sent him copies of his books once his
writing career was established.22
Immediately after high school, Stratemeyer’s writing career seems
to have paused, possibly due to the lack of support from his father
in this profession. Two of Stratemeyer’s half-brothers, Maurice
and Henry Jr., opened Stratemeyer Bros. in 1876. The latter left
the business after a few years to pursue other interests. Maurice
expanded his store and it reflected his interests in music and he
even conducted “Stratemeyer’s Orchestra.”23 This situation meant
that Henry Sr. would need help in his store and Edward is said to First page of Edward Stratemeyer’s valedictory address.

Graduation program for Public School No. 3 of Elizabeth, New Jersey, of which Edward Stratemeyer was valedictorian.
have worked in this store. However, 1883 showed some new ac-
tivity in Stratemeyer’s fledgling writing career.
In January and February of 1883, Stratemeyer published two is-
sues of Our American Boys. Each of these 8-page story papers
contained a number of short stories and serial parts, under several
pseudonyms, along with advertisements, jokes, and a puzzle de-
partment. The pseudonyms used here are Stratemeyer’s earliest
known: “Ed Ward,” “Robert Rollic,” and “Will Smith.” Some of
these names and stories were reprinted as filler material in his other
story papers, like Young Sports of America and Bright Days, and
even some books.24 In the spirit of recycling material, Stratemeyer
offered copies of A Tale of a Lumberman as a premium to people
who would gather as many subscriptions as possible. Considering
the quantity of material, he must have been writing some it through-
out 1882.
Stratemeyer also offered stories to other amateur story papers, in-
cluding his “first” story written when he was 14 years old (in 1876)
to The Experiment of New Bedford, MA.25 He used his “Robert
Rollic” pseudonym for a story published in The Boys’ Courier of
St. Louis, MO.26 Stratemeyer submitted a short story to The Penny
Magazine around June 1884, called “A Horrible Crime.”27
After this brief flurry of activity, little is known about Stratemeyer’s
writing. Some partial manuscripts from 1885 for short stories and
even lyrics to a song exist. A sample of poetry or song lyrics called
“My Grand-daddy’s Cane” is part of the NYPL collection.28
One of the short story fragments appears to be a romance entitled
The Experiment (Christmas 1883) contained the publication of the
first story Stratemeyer wrote in 1876 when he was 14 years old.

The second issue of the story paper written and published by The Boys’ Courier (Oct. 1883) contained the first installment of a
Edward Stratemeyer called Our American Boys (Feb. 1883). story by Stratemeyer called “Our Adventure” as by “Ed Ward.”

The first page of a two-page manuscript fragment for a romance.
“Crele” which is the name of the heroine.29 There are probably
other examples from this era which are simply not dated. Amid
this, he had time to co-chair a dance social in 1886.30 Perhaps the
romantic topic of “Crele” was not coincidental.
In 1887 and 1888, Edward wrote the librettos for two operettas
which were composed by his brother Louis, Love’s Maze 31 and
A religious poem which appeared in the Illustrated Christian
Weekly (6 Apr 1889) under the “Arthur M. Winfield” pseudonym.
The Perfume Prince.32 He also tried his hand at poetry and had
one poem published in The Evening Sun33 and another in the
Illustrated Christian Weekly.34
Professional Writing
Probably the most popular Stratemeyer legend is how he got his
start in writing. It has seen many variations. Most of the early
interviews with Stratemeyer focus on his latest books. Only the
article by George Waldo Browne (1850-1930) in 1902 mentions that
his first story was written and set aside for a year. 35 The earliest
version of this famous legend I can find is in a 1917 interview for
the Newark Sunday Call.
The story of a successful writer’s first accepted story possesses
a certain fascination for his admirers that nothing else quite
equals. Mr. Stratemeyer’s first story was written on sheets of
store wrapping paper and later copied neatly on white paper–
and laid away.
“It ran about eighteen thousand
words,” said its author reminiscently,
“and my father told me I was wast-
ing my time and might better be doing
something useful. I had to send that
story out, however, and I finally se-
lected the editors of Golden Days, a
young people’s weekly published in
Philadelphia, to judge it. When I re-
ceived a letter telling me that they
were reading it and asking what I
would take for it I was elated. I
wanted more than anything else to see
it in print! The editors of Golden
Days sent me a check for $75 for the
story.”
 Three versions of “Victor Horton’s Idea”: on sewn construction
paper, lined and embossed note paper, and in publication.

Mr. Stratemeyer smiled his one-sided smile that is at once odd

and attractive.
“If I hadn’t wanted to use the money I would have framed that
check!” he confessed whimsically. “Well I took it uptown, where
my father was in business, and found him reading his newspa-
per.
“‘Look at this!’ I said.
“My father looked at the slip of paper and pushed up his glasses.
“‘Why, it’s a check made out to you!’
“They paid me that for writing a story.” I explained proudly.
“Paid you that for writing a story?’ repeated my father. ‘Well,
you’d better write a lot more of them!’”36
This version of the story is interesting because, unlike later ones,
it does not suggest that Stratemeyer wrote the story in a tobacco
store (his Literary Account Books indicate that it was written at
home) nor that he turned in the copy on “brown wrapping paper.”
It also serves to illustrate the relationship between Edward and
Henry Sr. in his own words.
“Victor Horton’s Idea” was submitted to Golden Days in January
1889 and received payment at the end of the month.37 It was
published in November 1889. Stratemeyer appears to have taken
his father’s words to heart. Since he submitted several more stories
to Golden Days in the following years. He also entered into an
agreement with The Young American Publishing Company in
October 1889 where Stratemeyer would serve as associate editor
 Known Serial Publications of Edward Stratemeyer
Professional story paper, magazine and newspaper serials:
Golden Days 1889-1895 7
Young American 1889 1
Argosy 1891-1893 6
Holiday 1891 1*
Good News 1892-1896 18
Young Sports of America 1895-1896 12+
Bright Days 1896-1897 22
Chicago Ledger 1896-1899
New York Weekly 1896 1
Banner Weekly 1896 1
Golden Hours 1898-1901 7
Boys of America 1901-1903 2
Popular Magazine 1903 1
Newark Sunday Call 1903 1+
Forward for Young People 1906 1
American Boy 1906-1907 2
Comfort Magazine 1907 1
Professional story paper and newspaper short stories:
Newark Sunday Call 1891-1897 23
Good News 1894 1
Our Boys and Girls 1897 1
New York Observer 1897 1
Sabbath School Visitor 1906 1
Noah Brooks was an author and editor of several newspapers,
including the Newark Daily Advertiser where he told Stratemeyer Dime novels and paperback libraries:
to write books full time rather than in his spare time.
Nugget Library 1890-1892 3
Nick Carter Library 1892-1895 22
Log Cabin Library 1892-1893 8
New York Five Cent Library 1892-1893 21
Half-Dime Library 1897 1
Eagle Library 1898 1
Holly Library 1899 6
Brave and Bold Library 1906 2**
Notes: * Incomplete; ** Reprints, + Additional stories likely
for the publication at $20 per week. While there, he wrote “Walter
Drumm’s Heroism.” 38 His relationship with The Young American
was ill-fated and lasted only three months.39

One of Stratemeyer’s early professional publications was
“Jack the Inventor” as partially published in The Holiday (1891).
Noah Brooks
Stratemeyer also served as a reporter for the Newark Daily
Advertiser under Noah Brooks (1830-1903) . According to one
interview, Edward spent much of his spare time writing and it
was Brooks, himself an author of juvenile books, who suggested
that Stratemeyer take up writing full time.40
Brooks was born in Castine, ME, and after graduating the public
schools, he studied landscape painting long enough to learn that
his career would be in another field. At the age of 20 he became
a reporter for a Boston daily newspaper, the Atlas. Next, he went
to Illinois and Kansas and soon afterward set out for California
by ox team. This trip provided him with material for his most
famous book, The Boy Emigrants (1876). While in California, he
established a newspaper and contributed regularly to the Over-
land Monthly and became a close friend of Brete Harte (1836-1902),
its editor.
He was also a friend of Abraham Lincoln, whom he met in Illi-
nois. At the beginning of the Civil War, he went to Washington,
D.C. to serve as a war correspondent for the Sacramento Union.
“Brooks was invited to become Lincoln’s private secretary, but
the assassination occurred before he assumed his duties, and luckily
a severe cold kept him away from the presidential box on the fatal
night.”41
He then continued his newspaper work as managing editor of the
Alta California (5 years), night editor of the New York Tribune
(4 years), and an editorial writer for the New York Times (8 years).
The Boy Emigrants was published shortly after he joined the
Times. He then became the managing editor of the Newark Daily
Advertiser, where he knew Stratemeyer, for ten years before retir-
ing in 1892 and returning to Maine.42

Expanding Markets
Stratemeyer seems to have taken his advice for he began writing
in earnest at this time. In the following years, Stratemeyer ex-
panded the publishers and publications to which he submitted
manuscripts, including dime novels for Beadle & Adams and
Street & Smith and serials for Argosy and Good News.43
1891 was a year of change and transition for Edward Stratemeyer.
In that year, he courted and married Magdalene Baker Van Camp
(1868-1935) and his father, Henry Julius Stratemeyer died.44 In an
early interview, Magdaline, “before her marriage in 1891, was
well known as a clever writer of juvenile stories.”45
Edward further honed his skills as an editor when he joined the
editorial staff of Street & Smith for $40/week for three weeks in
December of 1892, the day after his daughter, Harriet, was born.46 An 1894 issue of Good News containing a serial published
By 1894 he was the editor of Good News where he remained until during the time when Stratemeyer was its editor.
1895. In that same year, Stratemeyer became associate editor of its name be changed to Young People of America.47 As the
Young Sports of America. He contributed numerous short stories publication’s demise seemed imminent (Nov. 4, 1895), Stratemeyer
and serials to the publication (as did its publisher, Frank J. Earll), bought back the copyrights for numerous stories, mostly written
most of which were published under pseudonyms, and urged that by him but including “Blue Water Rovers” by “Victor St. Clair.”48
George Waldo Browne (1851-1930) was one of the few outside con-
tributors for Young People of America. His works often appeared
under his “Victor St. Clair” pseudonym when published in a vari-

As associate editor of Young People of America, Stratemeyer Stratemeyer purchased the copyrights for “Blue Water Rovers”
purchased some stories from outside contributors, like from Young Sports of America and later offered the book to
George Waldo Browne, and submitted them to the Thompson & Thomas who published it in 1902 along with a
publication’s editor and publisther, Frank J. Earll. book written by Stratemeyer, The Young Naval Captain.
ety of story papers, dime novels, and books.49 Stratemeyer re-
ceived the installments for Browne’s “Blue Water Rovers,” paid
for them, and submitted them to Earll.50
When Young People of America folded, Stratemeyer sold his own
tobacco and stationery store and began his own story paper, Bright
Days. This publication used the same mailing address as Young
People of America and a number of the serials and short stories
were reprinted in Bright Days. This publication lasted for slightly
less than a year, first as a monthly and later as a weekly. It con-
tained numerous reprints of stories by Horatio Alger, Jr. 51
1897 was marked by an economic depression which led to the
demise of most of the story papers of that era. Many of
Stratemeyer’s writing friends were having a hard time finding
markets for their publications and although his attempt at creat-
ing the Comrades Publishing Company seemed hopeful, it too
failed.52
From Story Papers to Cloth Books
The first books written by Edward Stratemeyer were re-edited
versions of his story paper serials. Beginning in January 1894,
Stratemeyer tried to reacquire the copyrights to his stories when-
ever possible. One publisher which would not sell back his stories
was James Elverson of Golden Days.53 They continued to pub-
lish his stories as late as 1907.
The first Stratemeyer book was Richard Dare’s Venture and it
was published by Merriam in 1894. However, for a variety of
reasons, this company sold few of Stratemeyer’s books and in the
fall of 1897 went into receivership.54 Even at this early stage,
Stratemeyer was covering his ability to expand into this market.
On May 29, 1894 Stratemeyer received a letter along with his
copies of the contracts which stated:
By the fall of 1897, the Merriam company, who published
Stratemeyer’s first hardcover book had passed into receivership.
A revised edition was published in 1899 by Lee & Shepard.
It is perfectly understood on our part that our agreement does
not debar you from selling serials to the publishers of serial
publications.55
On February 8, 1896 he receive additional clarification which
opened the door to future publications:
... we have no objection to your placing books, under your own
name, in the hands of the other publishers.56
Of interest is the fact that Arthur James Saalfield was a principal
officer in Merriam. He purchased the Werner Company of Ak-
ron, Ohio, on January 1, 1900 and renamed it the Saalfield
Publishing Company. A few of Stratemeyer’s books were pub-
lished by this firm in 1901 and 1902.57
With virtually no copies on the market, Stratemeyer sought other
publishers for hardcover editions of his serials. He next approached
W.L. Allison who published 12 of his stories simultaneously un-
der Stratemeyer’s name and two pseudonyms, “Arthur M.
Winfield” and “Captain Ralph Bonehill.”58 Unfortunately, since
these books were published in 1897, they sold poorly.
In 1898, Stratemeyer offered a book to Estes & Lauriat of Boston
which became the initial volume in the Minute Boys series. When
he declined to continue the series, additional volumes were writ-
ten by James Otis Kaler (1848-1912).59
Stratemeyer’s next publisher association was with Lee & Shepard
of Boston. He planned a story about two boys on a U.S. battle-
ship. After Admiral Dewey’s victory in Manila, Stratemeyer
proposed the Old Glory series to the new editor, Warren F. Gre-
gory. The book was published in July 1898 and by Christmas of
that year, some 6,000 copies had been sold.60
When Lee & Shepard’s star author William T. Adams died on
March 27, 1897, George Waldo Browne was asked
By Christmas 1898, Stratemeyer’s Under Dewey at Manila had sold
6,000 copies. In later years, when the subject was less topical,
sales dropped to a trickle as fewer than a dozen copies were sold.
 The original site of the Mershon Company press was in the
upper floor of this three-story home in Rahway, New Jersey,
near Stratemeyer’s home town of Elizabeth.
... who there was among the young writers of juvenile stories to
take the place so long filled by the late “Oliver Optic.” I re-
plied, without dreaming of being a prophet: “I do no know, unless
it is Edward Stratemeyer.” Inside of a year the truth of my
words was verified.61
Stratemeyer wrote the final volume in Optic’s Blue and Grey on
Land series, An Undivided Union, which was published by Lee &
Shepard in 1899.
Author and Literary Agent
At the end of 1898, he was making arrangments with a relatively
new publishing company, W.L. Mershon of Rahway, NJ, to offer
This early Rover Boys printing features the cover design
which Stratemeyer claims to have illustrated.
The original Mershon press. It is unknown if this press was used
for any of Stratemeyer’s books or in its efforts to print books for
other publishing companies.
new stories and the following year he offered clothbound edited
reprints of serial fiction which he owned. The series was, of course,
The Rover Boys’ Series for Young Americans and Stratemeyer
continued to add volumes to this series through 1926. The indi-
vidual stories were called the Boys’ Own series for the purpose of
the contract and included (serial titles):
“The Land of Fire” by “Louis Charles”
“Fortune Hunters of the Philippines” by “Louis Charles”
“Volcano Island” by “Mark Marline”
“Malcolm the Waterboy” by “D.T. Henty” (Americanized from some
old English source)
“The Wizard of the Deep” by “Roy Rockwood” (boys’ story based
on Verne’s idea of a trip under the ocean)
A Grosset & Dunlap dust jacket using the later cover design
printed in 1915 after the series had sold over one million copies.
 Two releases (1895 and 1899) signed by Edward’s brother,
Louis Charles Stratemeyer for serial stories, two of which
were later published as books.
The second release signed by Augusta Cheney selling two plays
“By Name and Fame” by “Allen Chapman” by Alger to Stratemeyer which were published as Young Captain
“A Nobody Schoolboy” by “Roy Rockwood”62 Jack (Mershon, 1901) and Nelson the Newsboy (Mershon, 1901).
The stories by Louis Charles were either written or partially writ-
ten by Edward’s brother, Louis Charles Stratemeyer. The stories
were initially written for inclusion in Bright Days but were re-
edited for book publication.63
Amidst this, Stratemeyer had established a firm friendship with
Horatio Alger, Jr. Edward had published some of Alger’s stories
in his Bright Days and presumably they had been introduced dur-
ing Stratemeyer’s tenure at Good News. As Alger’s health failed
in 1898, he approached Stratemeyer with the option of purchas-
ing some of his partial manuscripts and completing them for book
publication. Stratemeyer agreed and drafted an outline of how
the manuscript would be split into two parts and augmented to
form publishable stories. Alger responded and gave approval
though it is doubtful that he read them in detail.64
After his death, his sister, Augusta O. Cheney, sold a series of
Alger’s incomplete manuscripts, some plays, and Alger’s scrap-
book of short stories in a series of exchanges between 1899 and
1905 where Stratemeyer would pay $75 to $150 per manuscript.
The books would be published under Alger’s name and
Stratemeyer could use a phrase like “Completed by Arthur M.
Winfield” in the books if desired.65 Stratemeyer edited and com-
pleted the manuscripts and offered them to publishers. Unlike
most of his early contracts, he required an advance on royalties
for the Alger titles (since it was an established name) which ex-
ceeded the amount he paid to Augusta.

Foundation for the Stratemeyer Syndicate

Although it is often stated that Stratemeyer had more ideas than
time to write them, events converged to cause Stratemeyer to found
his literary syndicate. The new Copyright Act of 1909 (but likely
discussed and debated for several years prior) offered new pro-
tections for the owners of “works for hire,” treating them as the
The first of the Alger completions based on a partial manuscript by
“author” for the purpose of copyright considerations. Horatio Alger, Jr., and completed by Edward Stratemeyer using his
Stratemeyer’s long-time writing friend, Henry Harrison Lewis “Arthur M. Winfield” pseudonym.
 A 1903 portrait of Edward Stratemeyer which first appeared
in the Newark Sunday News.

Stratemeyer’s friend, Henry Harrison Lewis (1863-1923), had es-

tablished the Lewis Literary Syndicate in 1900. Although I haven’t
been able to determine the nature of his enterprise, a directory for
New York City, where he lived, cites him as an editor and literary
agent. Lewis was the editor of The Popular Magazine, published
by Street & Smith, to which Stratemeyer had offered stories in
1903 and 1904.66
By late-1900, the same year when Lewis established his syndi-
cate, Stratemeyer wrote to Augusta Cheney: Four early agreements for stories handled by Stratemeyer, includ-
ing a story he wrote himself, a story created from a title which he
I have made up my mind to stick to juveniles, not only under my supplied, a previously-published story which he purchased, and a
own name, but under my noms-de-plume, and I am studying story written at his direction from a plot and outline.
that market in all of its conditions and am also studying the
wants of the publishers, with a view to supplying the latter not This letter (July 1902) follows the publication of Browne’s profile
alone with stories of my own, but also the stories of others, on Stratemeyer in The Writer (March 1902) and precedes the agree-
written under my directions, on subjects which I feel will at- ment with Thompson & Thomas (September 1902) for The Blue
tract sales.67 Water Rovers.69
In 1902, Stratemeyer wrote to George Waldo Browne: At the same time, Stratemeyer acquired the rights for a book by
Edward S. Ellis (1840-1916), The Telegraph Messenger Boy, which
It may seem queer to you that I am willing to buy up stories but
was published by Mershon in 1904.70 Interestingly, in my copy of
during the past two years–three years I should say–I have sold
this book (Chatterton-Peck, circa 1908), this title occupies pages 1-
numerous stories not my own to publishing houses. I handled
179. This is followed by pages 183-263 for a story called “On to
four Alger stories, two stories by Louis Charles, two “Roy
Cuba,” a story first published in Bright Days under the “Ralph
Rockwood,” some by Will Lisenbee, and a number of others, in
Harrington” pseudonym. Several other Ellis titles published by
juveniles and also some for adults.... I often put them out on
Mershon may have a Stratemeyer connection, including the seven
royalty just to see what publishers can do with them.68
additional titles published by Grosset and Dunlap in the Alert
Series.71
According to Abel, Stratemeyer served as editor of a new cloth
division for Street & Smith which produced several libraries of
reprints, including the Boys’ Popular Library and the Boys’ Own
Library, during 1902. Several of Stratemeyer’s own stories from
Good News were published during that period of time.72

Stratemeyer Literary Syndicate

Beginning in 1905, Stratemeyer formalized the Stratemeyer Syn-
dicate and began to ask for stories based on either outlines or titles
which he supplied. The first two ghostwriters with whom he
worked were Weldon J. Cobb (1849-1922) and Howard R. Garis
(1873-1962). Both books were published in 1906.73
Cobb’s first assignment was a volume in the Ralph of the Rail-
road series. In his dime novel and story paper days, Cobb wrote
success stories about this topic. He went on to write about 33
books for the Stratemeyer Syndicate, including many Alger-like
success stories.
Garis turned out to be the most prolific ghostwriter for the Syndi-
cate. He wrote more than 300 books for them between 1905 and
1935 with an additional volume published in 1948. At the begin-
ning, however, he was a reporter with the Newark Evening News
and wrote books in his spare time.
In November 1907, Stratemeyer asked him to quit his newspaper
work and write for the Syndicate full time. On this topic Garis
replied:
I have been thinking over your letter containing remarks about
work for the syndicate for next year. I have also been consider-
ing going into the story and book writing entirely, and giving
up newspape work. This, of course, will require some consid-
eration before I can fully make up my mind.
In the first place I want to do all the work I can for your syndi-
cate, and I will, even though I don’t give up the newspaper
business that is, providing I can suit you, and you have the work
for me.
In the second place I would have to be practically assured that,
if I gave up the News, you would have enough work to keep me
busy a certain part of the time, always contingent, of course, on
what I did for you being satisfactory.
... As to work under my own name, I think I should do a certain
number in order to get a reputation, as, if I am to be an out-
and-out author I will have to look into the future, and begin to
lay my plans.74
This led to a series of agreements where Garis was assured a cer-
tain number of books each year from the Syndicate. In exchange,
Garis promised to not submit books to the publishers used by the
Syndicate.
Lessons Learned
Throughout Stratemeyer’s writing career, he learned essential el-
ements which were used in his own writing and that of the
Syndicate. Many of his ghostwriters valued his experience and
thanked him for his guidance.75
In a December 1907, Garis agrees to write for Stratemeyer full time
and he informs him about the offer from Chatterton-Peck to write
more newspaper stories which would compete with the Syndicate-
owned Larry Dexter stories, written by Garis for Stratemeyer.
Pseudonyms
When Stratemeyer was compiling the issues of Our American
Boys, the several stories were published under pseudonyms to
disguise the fact that the editor was supplying all of the material.
Stratemeyer later used this principle for his own writing, adopt-
ing pseudonyms to allow him to issue more books in a given year
than most traditional publishers would allow.76
For his Syndicate books, pseudonyms were used to create a ge-
neric identity for the “author” of a series of books. Although Garis
proved to be a true friend and the fact that at least four Syndicate-
owned series were published under his name worked well for both
parties, in one case it did not.
Evelyn Hunt Raymond (1843-1910) wrote three books for
Stratemeyer. Two of these were published by Chatterton-Peck in
1907 as the Dorothy Chester series. Dissatisfied with the
publisher’s inability to meet their obligations, Stratemeyer for-
bade them to publish or distribute any more of his books. He
sought another publisher and entered into an agreement with
Grosset and Dunlap for the publication of many of the Syndicate
works. Chatterton-Peck did not like this and threatened suit but
Stratemeyer eventually prevailed and obtained the copyrights and
printing plates from many books which he had placed with them.77
After the settlement, Chatterton-Peck launched new lines of juve-
nile series similar to the series Stratemeyer had pulled.78 One of
the new series was a Dorothy series by Evelyn Hunt Raymond.
This new series used ostensibly the same character as evidenced
by the fact that the first two titles, possibly without permission,
were included with the eight titles in the latter series when re-
printed by A.L. Burt and other firms.
It turns out that Howard Garis was also approached by Chatterton-
Peck in 1907 to write new newspaper-related stories for them.
He refused and informed Stratemeyer of this offer in December.79
Cliffhangers
When Stratemeyer turned in “Victor Horton’s Idea” to James
Elverson of Golden Days, one of the editor’s comments to the
young author was:
I think you would become a good serial writer if you were to
know just what is required always remembering that each “to
be continued” must mark a holding point in the story.80
When comparing the stories published in amateur story papers
before this, it turns out that this criticism was well founded. Like
many suggestions offered to Stratemeyer, this was taken to heart
and employed well.
Editorial Skill and Market Knowledge
The early writings of Stratemeyer contain many amusing
gramatical errors which can say a lot about his early development
as a writer. They also show his interests as he tried to imitate the
kind of literature he enjoyed reading. As Browne pointed out:
for no doubt this early and earnest study of the books of such
writers did much toward fitting him to take up and wear the
mantle they were to lay aside at a time most opportune to his
advantage. No writer is really successful who is not himself an
indefatigable reader.81
One of the hallmarks of Syndicate books is the carefully-crafted
grammar. Aside from typographical errors and plot omissions,
few gramatical errors can be found in the books. Some other
series are not as conscientious in this field. Despite this,
Stratemeyer’s critics raised other problems with his books, but
grammar was not the source the criticism.
Although the critics were something of a concern, since they in-
fluenced libraries and some parents, Stratemeyer quickly learned
that
Young folks are the most direct critics in the world. Any writer
who has the young for an audience can snap his fingers at all
the other critics.82
Promotion
Early on, Stratemeyer imitated the promotion techniques used by
professional story papers for his own amateur efforts, including
using a subscription-gathering contest with winners receiving book
prizes, a bicycle, and “a dollar in gold.” 83 In later years,
Stratemeyer commissioned the publication of booklets contain-
ing lists of his books in an effort to “boom” his books. 84 The
Syndicate staple of a review of past adventures and a hint of the
next adventure were manifestations of this principle.
Golden Rule
Finally, Stratemeyer learned through his employment with Street &
Smith and the refusal by James Elverson to sell back his Golden
Days stories85 that the lion’s share of the profits went to the owner
of the copyright, not necessarily the author. For the story papers,
the opportunity to reprint popular stories for new generations of
readers was a valuable asset. For series of books, the sales of old
titles in long series provided much longer life for a story than
would typically be seen.
These lessons, along with others, formed Stratemeyer’s recipe for
literary and economic success.
 Notes
1
“The Newarker Whose Name is Best Known.” Newark Sunday Call. 9 De- Also Harr collection and Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box
cember 1917, p. 1. 327, Folder “Love’s Maze.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Divi-
2
“Henry J. Stratemeyer Sr.” [obituary]. Elizabeth Daily Journal. 23 December sion.
32
1891, p. 1. Stratemeyer, Edward (text) & Stratemeyer, Louis Charles (music). Complete
3
Typed biographical article compiled after Stratemeyer’s death. Stratemeyer Libretto, The Perfume Prince, Comic Opera in Three Acts. Typescript. Harr
Syndicate Records Collection, Box 318, Folder “Biographical Notes.” New collection.
33
York Public Library, Manuscripts Division. Abel. p. 28-29.
4 34
Pflieger, Pat. “The Stratemeyer’s of New Jersey.” Handout from PCA presen- Winfield, Arthur M. “He Will Remember Me” [religious poem]. Illustrated
tation. Christian Weekly. 6 April 1889.
5 35
“Biographical Notes on Harriet S. Adams.” Beinecke Collection. Yale Univer- Browne, George Waldo. “Sketches of Writers. XVII–Edward Stratemeyer.”
sity Library. The Writer. March 1902. pp. 39-41.
6 36
see note 3. see note 1.
7 37
Abel, Trudi. A Man of Letters, A Man of Business: Edward Stratemeyer and Abel. p. 29-30.
38
the Adolescent Reader, 1890-1930. Ph.D. dissertation, Rutgers, History, 1993. Literary Account Book of Edward Stratemeyer, 1889-1900. Item 3.
p. 19-20. Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 317. New York Public
8
Public School No. 3 Class of ‘79 Programme and “Public School Exercises.” Library, Manuscripts Division.
39
Unknown Elizabeth New Jersey newspaper (Elizabeth Daily Journal?). Lynn For additional information, see Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection,
Ritchkoff collection. Box 70, Folder “Young American Agreements.” New York Public Library,
9
Abel. p. 24. Manuscripts Division.
10 40
The Experiment (New Bedford, MA). Christmas 1883. Stratemeyer Syndi- “Mr. Stratemeyer A Writer for Boys.” Newark Sunday News. 9 March 1902.
41
cate Records Collection, Box 309, Folder “Dick’s Composition.” New York Kunitz, Stanley J. & Haycraft, Howard. American Authors 1600-1900: A Bio-
Public Library, Manuscripts Division. graphical Dictionary of American Literature. (H.W. Wilson, 1938). p.
11
Our Friend (Elizabeth, NJ). August 1876. Stratemeyer Syndicate Records 103-104.
42
Collection, Box 309, Folder “Our Friend.” New York Public Library, Manu- Kunitz, Stanley J. & Haycraft, Howard. The Junior Book of Authors.
scripts Division. Stratemeyer referred to this as “Our New Jersey Friend” in (H.W. Wilson, 1934). p. 60-62.
43
penciled notes on a biographical article for Scannell’s New Jersey’s First See the list in Appendix A “Stratemeyer Magazine Stories.”
44
Citizen’s and State Guide (Paterson, NJ: John J. Scannell, 1917). see note 2.
12 45
“Revenge! or, The Newsboy’s Adventure.” Our Friend (Elizabeth, NJ). Au- see note 40.
46
gust 1876. p. 1. Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 309, see note 38.
47
Folder “Our Friend.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division. Guinan, J. Unpublished checklist of serials in Young Sports of America and
13
Other Stratemeyer stories include couterfeiters, including “Harry’s Trial” as by Young People of America.
48
“Ed Ward” which was first published in Our American Boys (Elizabeth, NJ). The list of stories transferred from Frank J. Earll to Edward Stratemeyer on 4
January 1883. p. 5. November 1895 included:
14
see note 12. “Limber Leo, Clown and Gymnast”
15
This amateur publication should not be confused with the publication in New “Dashing Dave”
York where Stratemeyer was associate editor for three months at the end of “Joe Johnson, the Bicycle Wonder”
1889. “Single-Shell Jerry”
16
“Tom and Matt; or, The First Pantomime.” The Young American (Elizabeth, “Edward Delehanty, Batter and Fielder”
NJ). Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 309, Folder “Tom “Nat Donald, King of the Air”
and Matt.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division. “Dick Dart’s Wall Street Case”
17
Johnson, Deidre A. Edward Stratemeyer and the Stratemeyer Syndicate. “Nellie Ray, Queen of the Newsobys”
(Twayne, 1992). p __. “Shortstop Herman Long of the Bostons”
18
That Bottle of Vinegar (Elizabeth, NJ: Edwin A Favor, 1877). Stratemeyer “Bob Fitzsimmons at School”
Syndicate Records Collection, Box 309, Folder “That Bottle of Vinegar.” “Dick Dart Among the Post Office Thieves”
New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division. “Quarterback Dan, the Football Champion” by Clarence Young
19
The Tale of a Lumberman As Told By Himself (Elizabeth, NJ: E. Stratemeyer, “Poor But Plucky” by Albert Lee Ford
1878). Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 309, Folder “Tale “Lester Fleming’s Struggles” by Arthur M. Winfield
of a Lumberman.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division. “Gun and Sled” by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
20
The City of Elizabeth New Jersey Illustrated. (Elizabeth, NJ: Elizabeth Daily “Three Ranch Boys” by Edward Stratemeyer
Journal, 1889). p. 120. Newark Public Library. “Blue Water Rovers” by Victor St. Clair
21
“Experience is the school where man learns wisdom.” Unsigned valedictory “The Fat Boys Club”
address manuscript by Edward Stratemeyer. Lynn Ritchkoff collection. along with several short stories.
22 49
Abel. p. 24. Johansen, Albert. The House of Beadle & Adams. (Univ. of Oklahoma Press,
23
Abel. p. 19-20. 1950). Vol. 2, p. 43-44.
24 50
As Deidre Johnson has observed, the short stories which appeared in Good For additional information, see Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection,
News, Young Sports of America, Young People of America, and Bright Days Box 70, Folder “Young People of America.” New York Public Library, Manu-
were used in some of the lower quality books by Stratemeyer as “filler” ma- scripts Division.
51
terial. Bright Days Checklist.[...]
25 52
see note 10. Abel. p. 93.
26 53
Ward, Ed. “Our Adventure.” The Boys’ Courier (St. Charles, MO). Abel. p. 102.
54
Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 309, Folder “Our Adven- “The Merriam Company.” Dictionary of Literary Biography: American Lit-
ture.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division. erary Publishing Houses, 1638-1899. (Gale Research). Vol. 49, part 1, p. 302.
27 55
Abel. p. 27. [original not seen] Letter attached to contract. Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box
28
“My Grand-daddy’s Cane.” Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, 69, Folder “Merriam Co. Agreements.” New York Public Library, Manu-
Box 309, Folder “My Grand-daddy’s Cane.” New York Public Library, Manu- scripts Division.
56
scripts Division. see note 55.
29 57
“Crele.” Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 309, Folder “Manu- Specifically:
script Fragments.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division. A Young Inventor’s Pluck (1901) by Arthur M. Winfield
30
“Select Dancing Sociables.” 26 January 1886. Lynn Ritchkoff collection. Three Young Ranchmen (1901) by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
31
Stratemeyer, Edward (text) & Stratemeyer, Louis Charles (music). Complete The Boy Land Boomer (1902) by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
Libretto, Love’s Maze, Comic Opera in Two Acts. (Elizabeth, NJ: Freie Presse Larry Barlow’s Ambition (1902) by Arthur M. Winfield
Printing Office, 1887). Special Collections, University of Oregon at Eugene.
58
Specifically:
Bound to be an Electrician (1897) by Edward Stratemeyer
Schooldays of Fred Harley (1897) by Arthur M. Winfield
Gun and Sled (1897) by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
Shorthand Tom (1897) by Edward Stratemeyer
Missing Tin Box (1897) by Arthur M. Winfield
Young Oarsmen of Lakeview (1897) by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
Young Auctioneers (1897) by Edward Stratemeyer
Poor but Plucky (1897) by Arthur M. Winfield
Rival Bicyclists (1897) by Capt. ralph Bonehill
Fighting for His Own (1897) by Edward Stratemeyer
By Pluck, Not Luck (1897) by Arthur M. Winfield
Leo the Circus Boy (1897) by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
59
The books in the Minute Boys series include:
1 Minute Boys of Lexington (1898) by Edward Stratemeyer
2 Minute Boys of Bunker Hill (1899) (1898) by Edward Stratemeyer
3 Minute Boys of the Green Mountains (1904) by James Otis
4 Minute Boys of the Mohawk Valley (1905) by James Otis
5 Minute Boys of the Wyoming Valley (1906) by James Otis
6 Minute Boys of South Carolina (1907) by James Otis
7 Minute Boys of Long Island (1908) by James Otis
8 Minute Boys of New York City (1909) by James Otis
9 Minute Boys of Boston (1910) by James Otis
10 Minute Boys of Philadelphia (1911) by James Otis
11 Minute Boys of Yorktown (1912) by James Otis
60
Abel. p. 110.
61
see 35.
62
This demonstrates ownership of several titles which were suspected to have a
Stratemeyer connection, including the two titles written or co-written by Louis
Charles Stratemeyer, Malcolm the Water Boy by “D. T. Henty,” and Volcano
Island by “Mark Marline.”
63
Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 66, Folder “Miscellaneous.”
New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division.
64
Abel. p. 245.
65
Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 68, Folder “Alger Estate,
Agreements.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division.
66
see note 63.
67
Abel. p. 249-250.
68
Abel. p. 245-246.
69
Copyright Transfers. Vol. 28, p. 183. United States Copyright Office, Library
of Congress.
70
Copyright Transfers. Vol. 27, p. 594. United States Copyright Office, Library
of Congress.
71
Keeline, James D. “Suspiciously Like Stratemeyer Syndicate Series.” Newsboy
(Horatio Alger, Jr. Society Newsletter). November 1994.
72
Specifically:
Tour of the Zero Club (1902) by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
Neka, the Boy Conjurer (1902) by Capt. Ralph Bonehill
Selected References (Chronological Order)
The City of Elizabeth New Jersey Illustrated. (Elizabeth, NJ: Elizabeth Daily
Journal, 1889).
“Henry J. Stratemeyer, Sr.: Another Old and Well-Known Citizen Passes Away.”
Elizabeth Daily Journal. 23 December 1891. p. 1.
Browne, George Waldo. “Sketches of Writers XVII–Edward Stratemeyer.” The
Writer. March 1902. pp. 39-41.
“Mr. Stratemeyer A Writer for Boys: Newark Man whose Name I Known to Many
Admiring Youngsters Has Written Forty-Five Books Which Appeal to Younger
Generation.” Newark Sunday News. 9 Mar 1902.
“Newark Author, Great Favorite with Young Folks, Talks of Stories for Boys.”
Newark Sunday News. 14 Jun 1903. p. 2:8.
“The Newarker Whose Name is Best Known: Edward Stratemeyer, Creater of
‘Dave Porter’ and the ‘Rover Boys,’ Admired by Boys Wherever English is
Read–Nearly Six Million Copies of His Books Sold–Story of the Author’s
Early Trials and His Later Success.” Newark Sunday Call. 9 December
1917. p. 1.
Scannell, John J. “Edward Stratemeyer.” Scannell’s New Jersey’s First Citizen’s
and State Guide (Paterson, NJ: John J. Scannell, 1917, 1919).
Stratemeyer, Edward. “Juvenile Literature Past and Present.” [typed manuscript]
5 February 1923. 2 pp.
Stratemeyer, Edward. “The Origin of the Rover Boys.” Life. 9 July 1925. p. 20.
Mark Dale’s Stage Venture (1902) by Arthur M. Winfield
The Young Bank Clerk (1902) by Arthur M. Winfield
73
The release for Ralph of the Roundhouse (Cupples & Leon, 1906) was signed
by Weldon J. Cobb on 15 September 1905. He was given the outline for the
story on 3 April 1905. The release for the first volume in the Motor Boys
series was signed on 24 January 1906.
74
Stratemeyer Syndicate Records Collection, Box 68, Folder “Garis, H. Con-
tracts.” New York Public Library, Manuscripts Division.
75
Abel. p. 268-280.
76
Stratemeyer also used pseudonyms to offer publications to new and different
markets. For example, he offered potboiler romances under the “Edna
Winfield” pseudonym to publications like the Chicago Ledger and New York
Weekly because the stories would not sell well under a man’s name and if
they had been published, harm might have come to his reputation as a boys’
writer.
77
The series which Stratemeyer re-acquired included:
Dorothy Chester series (2 vols.) by Evelyn Raymond
Great Newspaper (Larry Dexter) series (2 vols.) by Howard Garis
Bobbsey Twins series (3 vols.) by “Laura Lee Hope”
Crimson Banner by William D. Moffat
Two Boys and a Fortune by Matthew White, Jr.
Canoe Boys and Camp Fires by William Murray Graydon
Quest of the Silver Swan by W. Bert Foster
Jack North’s Treasure Hunt by “Roy Rockwood”
Andy the Acrobat by “Peter T. Harkness”
Rover Boys series (10 vols.) by “Arthur M. Winfield”
Putnam Hall series (2 vols.) by “Arthur M. Winfield”
Deep Sea (Dave Fearless) series (3 vols.) by “Roy Rockwood”
Rise in Life series (9 vols.) by “Horatio Alger, Jr.”
Ralph of the Railroad series (2 vols.) by “Allen Chapman”
Frontier series (3 vols.) by “Capt. Ralph Bonehill”
78
The new series created by Chatterton-Peck included:
Comrades series by Ralph Victor
Dorothy series by Evelyn Raymond
Frontier Boys series by Capt. Wynn Roosevelt
79
see note 74.
80
Abel. p. 29.
81
see note 35.
82
E.J.B. “Newarker Who Writes for Most Critical of All Readers Has Far Ex-
ceeded Standard of Success His Mother Set.” Newark Evening News. 4
June 1927.
83
Our American Boys.
84
Booklets of this type were prepared for Lothrop, Lee & Shepard and Grosset &
Dunlap series books. Samples of each may be found at the University of
Oregon at Eugene and probably at NYPL.
85
Stratemeyer stated that Elverson would not sell back Stratemeyer’s serials for
less than $500. He used this as a reason why his books should be worth
considerably more than $100 in flat payment.
E.J.B. “Newarker Who Writes for Most Critical of All Readers Has Far Exceeded
Standard of Success His Mother Set.” Newark Evening News. 4 June 1927.
“Edward Stratemeyer: Author of Boys’ Books Dies in Newark at Age of 67.”
New York Times. 11 May 1930.
“Funeral Tonight for E. Stratemeyer: Wrote ‘The Rover Boys’ Series, Which Had
Sales Exceeding 5,000,000 Copies. 40 Other Books for Boys. At Age of 25
Wrote First Tale on Wrapping Paper–Used Winfield and Bonehill as Pen-
Names.” New York Times. 12 May 1930.
“Passing of an Epoch.” [commentary] New York Times. 13 May 1930.
“Stratemeyer, Author, is Dead.” Publishers’ Weekly. 24 May 1930. p. 2627.
“Will of Edward Stratemeyer.” New York Times. 6 June 1930. p. 48:3.
Kull, Irving. New Jersey: A History: Biographical and Genealogical Records.
(NY: American Historical Society, Inc., 1930). Vol. V, p. 421-423.
Letter from Edna C. Stratemeyer to Edna C. Swenson dated 28 April 1932. 3 pp.
Yost, Edna. “Who Writes the Fifty-Cent Juveniles?: Most of the Authors of the
Newer Series Have a Thorough Understanding of Modern Boys and Girls.”
Publishers’ Weekly. 20 May 1933. pp 1595-1598.
“Mrs. Edward Stratemeyer.” New York Times. 25 May 1935. p. 15:5.
Johnson, Deidre A. Edward Stratemeyer and the Stratemeyer Syndicate.
(Twayne, 1993).
Abel, Trudi. A Man of Letters, A Man of Business: Edward Stratemeyer and
the Adolescent Reader, 1890-1930. Ph.D. dissertation, Rutgers, History, 1993.