Sandoz, Mari (Marie Susette) (1896–1966)

Mari Sandoz was the first of six children born to Swiss immigrants Mary and Jules Sandoz in Sheridan County, Nebraska. As a young girl, Mari spent most of her time cooking, gardening, and caring for her younger siblings. She did not begin attending school until the age of 9. However, this led to a “wonderful discovery” that school was the key to writing down her stories.

Mari proved a quick study and wrote her first story 1 year after starting school. She entered it in a local newspaper contest where it was published but did not win a prize. Her father was outraged and punished Mari by locking her in the cellar. After that, she continued to write but under a pen name.

By the age of ...