SMALL, SAMUEL W., born 1851, a Southern humorist who published articles under the pseudonym “Old Si.” SMITH, JAMES (1720-1806), a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Alexander Graydon, in his _Memoirs_, says that Smith was accounted a consummate humorist by those who knew him. SMITH, MAJOR CHARLES H., “Bill Arp,” born 1826. His humorous sketches, published in the _Atlanta Constitution_, have long been popular reading in the Southern States. He served in the Confederate army during the war. SMITH, REV. WILLIAM WYE (1827), a Canadian writer whose poems are popular in his native country. See Lighthall’s _Songs of the Great Dominion_. SMITH, SEBA, _nom de guerre_, “Major Jack Downing” (1792-1868). A journalist who, after editing the _Eastern Argus_, _Family Recorder_, and _Portland Daily Courier_, wrote during the presidency of Jackson the famous series of satirical letters which made the name “Jack Downing” celebrated in America. In 1842 he removed from Portland to New York city, and published _Powhatan_, _New Elements of Geometry_, _Way Down East_. He was all his life a journalist. SPOOPENDYKE. _See_ HUNTLEY. STEEL, RICHARD, famous paragraphist of Chicago from about 1870 to 1882. STOCKTON, FRANCIS RICHARD, born 1834. Educated in Philadelphia, he first became an engraver, but abandoned this for journalism. After some experience in newspaper work he joined the staff of _Scribner’s Monthly_, and subsequently was appointed assistant-editor of _St. Nicholas_. His first great success was made with the _Rudder Grange_ stories, and few short stories have attracted such a reading public as “The Lady or the Tiger.” All his writings are rich in quiet and quaint humour, and no writer can tell a more genial and interesting story. A convenient-sized and inexpensive edition of his works, including _Rudder Grange_, from which “Pomona’s Novel” is taken, _The Lady or the Tiger? and other Stories_, and _A Borrowed Month, and other Stories_, is published by David Douglas, Edinburgh. American publishers, Charles Scribner’s Sons. STROTHER, DAVID HUNTER (1816-1888), an artist as well as a humorous writer. He wrote under the _nom de guerre_ of “Porte Crayon,” and illustrated his own work. Published works, _The Blackwater Chronicle_ and _Virginia Illustrated_. SWEET, ALEXANDER EDWIN, Canadian, born 1841. After an adventurous youth he became editor of the _San Antoine Express_ in 1869, and later, with Colonel Knox, conducted _Texas Siftings_. For a time the weekly was published in Texas, but afterwards the office was moved to New York. THOMPSON, BENJAMIN (1640-16—). A native of Massachusetts, a graduate of Harvard, and generally credited with being the first poet born in America. He wrote in satirical vein _New England’s Crisis_.