Eben Holden

Addison Irving Bacheller (1859 ù1950) was an American journalist and writer who founded the first modern newspaper syndicate in the United States. He began by starting a business bringing specialized articles to major American newspapers¿ Sunday editions. The Bacheller Syndicate brought to American readers the writings of British authors such as Joseph Conrad, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Rudyard Kipling. His novels concerned early American life in the North Country of New York State. In 1900 his novel Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country was a major success. Willie Brower is the narrator of this novel and the plot centers on his life story. When Willie is orphaned at a young age, Old Eben carries him away to the north country of upstate New York. Bacheller tells of their travel through the wilderness, their new home, and the stories of Eben and others. As he grows up, Willie becomes Bill, tries his hand at courting the talented Hope, gets a job as a journalist only to quit and join the army just in time for the first battle of Bull Run.