O.Henry 1909
The General Land Office's most famous draftsman William Sydney Porter, who would later enjoy success as the famed short story writer O. Henry, carefully guarded his privacy. The only interview he ever gave was in 1909, when this photo was taken. Even then, he gave only a sketchy biography that omitted his prison experience. O. Henry died from cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes and a greatly enlarged heart in 1910. He was not yet forty eight years old. Courtesy Center for American History, Prints and Photographs Collection (CN 01058)