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James Whitcomb Riley (1849)close

One of the most beloved poets in American history, James Whitcomb Riley was born in Greenfield, Indiana. He achieved popularity as "The Hoosier Poet" through his use of Indiana dialect, humor, and realistic portrayal of Midwestern life. Some of his best-known poems include "Little Orphant Annie," "The Raggedy Man," and "When the Frost is on the Punkin."

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