Walter D. Edmonds

Walter Dumaux Edmonds, a renowned American novelist, marked a significant milestone in his academic journey by graduating from Harvard University in 1926. During his time at the esteemed institution, he held the esteemed position of president of the Harvard Advocate magazine. It was a course in English that inadvertently sparked his interest in writing, and he soon found himself submitting a story to the prestigious "Scribner's" magazine, which graciously accepted and published his work. Edmonds' inaugural novel, "Rome Haul", proved to be a resounding success, recounting the fascinating tale of the Erie Canal and garnering widespread acclaim. The novel's popularity eventually led to a Broadway adaptation, cleverly crafted by Marc Connelly and titled "The Farmer Takes a Wife". Furthermore, the novel's cinematic potential was recognized, and it was subsequently adapted into the 1939 film "Drums Along the Mohawk", directed by the legendary John Ford. Edmonds' involvement in the film project extended beyond mere authorship, as he served as a technical advisor, bringing his expertise to the production.