Andy Adams (writer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andy Adams
Andy Adams, c. 1900
Born	May 3, 1859 Thorncreek Township, Indiana, U.S.
Died	September 26, 1935 (1935-09-27) (aged 76) Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
Genre	Western fiction

Andy Adams (born May 3, 1859 – died September 26, 1935) was an American author. He is famous for writing exciting stories about cowboys and the American West. His books are known as Western fiction.

Life and Adventures

Early Life and Cowboy Days

Andy Adams was born in Thorncreek Township, Indiana. His father was from Ireland, and his mother was from Scotland. Growing up, Andy helped with cattle and horses on his family's farm. This early experience was very important for his future writing.

In the early 1880s, when he was in his twenties, Andy moved to Texas. He lived there for ten years. During this time, he spent many years driving cattle along the famous western trails. This meant moving large herds of cows across long distances.

New Ventures and Settling Down

After his cowboy days, Andy tried different jobs. In 1890, he tried to be a businessman, but it didn't work out. He then tried gold-mining in Colorado and Nevada. These adventures gave him even more stories to tell later.

In 1894, Andy Adams settled in Colorado Springs. He lived there for the rest of his life. It was in Colorado Springs that he started his writing career.

Becoming a Writer

Andy Adams began writing when he was 43 years old. He wanted to share real stories about cowboy life. At the time, many cowboy books were not very accurate. Andy wanted to show what it was really like.

His most famous book, The Log of a Cowboy, was published in 1903. This book is still popular today. Many people think it is one of the best books about cowboys.

Andy Adams' Books

Andy Adams wrote several books about the American West. He wanted to make sure his stories were true to life.

• 1903: The Log of a Cowboy'

This is his most famous book. It tells the story of a five-month journey. About 3,000 cattle were moved from Brownsville, Texas, all the way to Montana. This happened in 1882 along the Great Western Cattle Trail. Even though it's a fictional story, it's based on Andy Adams' own experiences. It gives a very real picture of what cowboy life was like. Reviewers even today find it exciting.

• 1904: A Texas Matchmaker'

• 1905: The Outlet'

• 1906: Cattle Brands: A Collection of Western Camp-fire Stories'

This book is a collection of 14 short stories. They are all about life in the American West.

• 1907: Reed Anthony, Cowman: An Autobiography'

In this book, Andy Adams tells the story of a Texas cowboy. This cowboy starts out with nothing and becomes a rich and important cattleman.

• 1911: The Wells Brothers: The Young Cattle Kings'

This story is about two young boys who become orphans. They face many challenges but manage to start their own cattle ranch.

• 1927: The Ranch on the Beaver: A Sequel to Wells Brothers'

This book continues the story of the Wells Brothers.