Profile of the Day: J.M. Barrie

Remember the story of Peter Pan? On this day in 1860, author J.M. Barrie was born in Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.

 Image: National Science and Media Museum, Flickr

Barrie was born James Matthew Barrie to David Barrie and Margaret Ogilvy. The ninth of ten children, Barrie was drawn to storytelling as a small child. He first found work as a writer and journalist, but discovered his work in theater increasing as time passed. During his third play, he met a young actress named Mary Ansell and the couple were married in July 1894. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Barrie would use her given name in many of his novels.

His most famous creation, the character of Peter Pan, made its first appearance in his story The Little White Bird in 1902. Barrie was first inspired to write of the “boy who wouldn’t grow up” after meeting the family of Arthur Llewelyn Davies. He created the character of Peter to entertain Llewelyn Davies’s sons. In 1904, Barrie’s Peter Pan had its first stage performance and introduced audiences to the character of Wendy and the world of Neverland. Today, his tale remains one of the most beloved stories for both children and adults.

J.M. Barrie is connected to over 175 million people in Geni’s World Family Tree. Share how you’re related to the author of Peter Pan.

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