~ 1783 - 1859
Washington Irving was an American author, essayist, and biographer, born on April 3, 1783, in New York City. He is best known for his short stories, particularly "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," which are foundational works of American literature. Irving is often credited with popularizing the American short story as a literary form and is considered one of the first American writers to gain international fame.