Emerson Hough – Western Writer
Emerson Hough, a name synonymous with the literary portrayal of the American West, stands as a significant figure in the shaping of Western narratives. His prolific career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing a substantial body of work that included approximately 34 books and countless magazine articles. These writings, a blend of factual accounts and historical novels, offered readers a captivating glimpse into the realities and romanticism of life in the untamed landscapes of the American West. The impact of Emerson Hough resonates even today, as his stories continue to inform and entertain audiences interested in this pivotal period of American history.
Born on June 28, 1857, in Newton, Iowa, Emerson Hough’s early life was rooted in the burgeoning Midwest. His parents, Joseph B. and Elizabeth Hough, had relocated from Virginia about five years prior to his birth, contributing to the westward expansion that defined the era. Hough received his initial education in the public schools of Newton, demonstrating an aptitude for learning that led him to graduate from high school in 1875. Following graduation, he briefly served as a teacher in a rural school, an experience that likely instilled in him a deeper appreciation for the value of education and the challenges faced by those living in more remote areas.
His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Iowa, where he immersed himself in the study of philosophy. He graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1880, a testament to his intellectual curiosity and dedication to academic achievement. After obtaining his degree, Emerson Hough embarked on a new course of study, apprenticing with a law firm in Newton to pursue a career in law. This legal training would prove to be a valuable asset in his future endeavors, providing him with a framework for critical thinking and a keen understanding of the complexities of human relationships.
Upon completing his legal studies, Emerson Hough ventured westward, seeking opportunity and adventure in the frontier town of White Oaks, New Mexico. He established a law practice there, immersing himself in the local community and gaining firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities presented by life on the Western frontier. In addition to his legal work, Hough also contributed to the local newspaper, The Golden Era, working as a reporter and honing his writing skills. This combination of legal practice and journalistic experience provided him with a unique perspective on the social, political, and economic forces shaping the American West.
In 1886, Hough made the decision to return to the Midwest, shifting his focus from law to writing. He worked for several newspapers in Kansas, Iowa, and Ohio, further developing his journalistic skills and gaining experience in the fast-paced world of news production. Simultaneously, he pursued freelance writing opportunities, contributing articles to various magazines and exploring his passion for the outdoors. Emerson Hough possessed a deep love for nature, finding solace and inspiration in hunting, fishing, and camping. These outdoor pursuits not only provided him with a welcome respite from the demands of his work but also fueled his writing, allowing him to capture the beauty and grandeur of the natural world in his prose.
His growing reputation as a writer led to a significant opportunity in 1889 when he was hired by Forest and Stream magazine, a prominent publication dedicated to outdoor pursuits and conservation. This position allowed him to combine his love of the outdoors with his writing talents, reaching a wide audience of like-minded individuals. He later contributed to Field & Stream and penned an "outdoor" column for the Saturday Evening Post, solidifying his position as a leading voice in the field of outdoor writing. Through these various platforms, Emerson Hough shared his experiences, observations, and insights with a captivated readership, contributing to the growing appreciation for the natural world and the importance of conservation.
A turning point in Hough’s career occurred in 1893 during a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Witnessing the rampant slaughter of buffalo, he was deeply moved by the plight of these iconic animals and the threat they faced from unchecked hunting. This experience ignited a passion for conservation within him, prompting him to write a series of articles advocating for the protection of buffalo and other endangered species. His writings had a significant impact, influencing the U.S. Congress to take action to protect the buffalo population in Yellowstone National Park. This marked a pivotal moment in Emerson Hough’s career, demonstrating the power of his words to effect positive change and solidifying his commitment to conservation efforts.
In 1897, Hough published The Story of the Cowboy, a seminal work that explored the life and culture of the American cowboy in vivid detail. This book proved to be a major success, establishing him as a leading authority on the American West. He followed up with more than 20 additional works focusing on frontier life, further cementing his reputation as a "western" author. His books captured the spirit of the era, portraying the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of life on the frontier. His ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling made his works both informative and engaging, appealing to a wide range of readers.
That same year, 1897, Hough married Charlotte Chesebro of Chicago, marking a new chapter in his personal life. The couple made Chicago their home, providing Hough with a stable base from which to pursue his writing career. When World War I erupted, Hough served in the Army Intelligence Division, rising to the rank of captain. During this time, he engaged in regular correspondence with President Theodore Roosevelt, a fellow conservationist and outdoorsman. This connection with Roosevelt further amplified his influence and provided him with a platform to advocate for his conservation ideals.
The enduring appeal of Hough’s Western narratives led to two of his novels, The Covered Wagon and North of Thirty-Six, being adapted into screenplays and subsequently becoming popular silent films. This marked a significant milestone in his career, making him one of the first Western authors to successfully transition into the motion picture industry. The success of these film adaptations further broadened his audience and solidified his legacy as a master storyteller of the American West.
Beyond The Covered Wagon and North of Thirty-Six, Hough’s notable works include The Mississippi Bubble, The Way of the West, Singing Mouse Stories, The Passing of the Frontier, and The Story of the Outlaw, among others. Each of these books offered a unique perspective on the American West, exploring different facets of frontier life and contributing to a richer understanding of this pivotal period in American history.
Emerson Hough died on April 30, 1923, in Evanston, Illinois, succumbing to heart failure following an operation. He was laid to rest alongside his wife at Hope Cemetery in Galesburg, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of literary achievement and conservation advocacy. His contributions to the Western genre continue to be celebrated, ensuring that his name and his stories will endure for generations to come. His work remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and allure of the American West.