Known for his short stories with surprise endings, O. Henry was born as William Sidney
Porter on September 11, 1862 in Guilford County. Will enjoyed many adventures in
Greensboro, then a small Southern town. As a teenager he began to work in Porter
Drugstore, operated by his Uncle Clark. At the age of 20, Will left Greensboro for Texas,
never to return except on short visits. By the time of his death in 1910, Will Porter,
better known by his pen name of O. Henry, had published nearly 300 stories and was one of
America's most popular authors. Best known are the Christmas story The Gift of the Magi
and the kidnap- gone-wrong The Ransom of Red Chief.
The museum exhibit includes first editions, a family cradle, school desk, oil portrait,
O. Henry drawings, letters, photographs, and memorabilia.
