Homer Croy
Homer Croy was an American novelist, journalist, and playwright known for his significant contributions to literature and journalism in the early 20th century. Born in northwest Missouri shortly after the notorious outlaw Jesse James was killed, Croy's childhood environment deeply influenced his writing, particularly his well-known work, "Jesse James Was My Neighbor," which was shaped by interviews with locals who had connections to the James family. He studied journalism at the University of Missouri from 1903 to 1907 but did not graduate, a disappointment he faced with the support of his father, who acknowledged Croy's talent despite the academic setback.
Croy's journalistic career spanned major cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and New York City, and he achieved notable success with his best-selling novel "West of the Water Tower," which was adapted into a film. He married Mae Bell Savell in 1915 and had three children, though two of his sons sadly died in infancy. In recognition of his achievements, the University of Missouri awarded Croy an honorary degree in 1956, nearly fifty years after his initial departure from school. Croy's life and work reflect a blend of personal resilience and a deep connection to the narratives of his time, making him a noteworthy figure in American literary history.
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Subject Terms
Homer Croy
Writer
- Born: March 11, 1883
- Birthplace: Outside Maryville, Missouri
- Died: May 24, 1965
Biography
Novelist, journalist, and playwright Homer Croy was born to Amos Joy Croy and Susannah Sewell the year after Jesse James was killed, and Croy lived his childhood near the James farm in northwest Missouri. His proximity to the James home contributed to the creation and authenticity of one of Croy’s best-known works, Jesse James Was My Neighbor. Croy developed the story through interviews with the town residents who had known Jesse and Frank James and their mother, and through his own familiarity with the town and community.
Prior to becoming a published writer, Homer Croy attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, studying journalism there from 1903 to 1907 and writing for Savitar, the university’s yearbook. However, as Croy’s scheduled commencement date approached, it became apparent that he would not be able to graduate. Distraught by the news and dreading having to disappoint his father, Croy put off telling Amos Croy, who arrived on graduation day in shirt and tie. Upon seeing his father in a tie for the first time, Homer broke down and confessed the truth, and Amos surprised his son by replying that he knew Homer’s intelligence, even if the professors did not.
Leaving school, Croy delved directly into journalism and wrote for newspapers in Kansas City, St. Louis, and New York City. Among his successes was the best-seller West of the Water Tower, which was one of several of his novels to be adapted to film. Croy married Mae Bell Savell on February 7, 1915, and they had one daughter, Carol, and two sons, Creighton and Homer, both of whom died as infants. The University of Missouri granted Homer Croy an honorary degree in 1956, nearly fifty years after he was originally scheduled to graduate.