Writer/journalist Jacques Futrelle was born in Pike County, GA, in 1875. After graduating from high school, he held a variety of jobs--including theater manager--but finally secured a position in the editorial department of the Boston "American" newspaper. While there he wrote a series of short stories, which were eventually published. He began a series of detective novels, "The Thinking Machine", featuring Prof. Augustus Van Deusen, a professor at an American university who used his intellect to solve crimes. Van Densen first appeared in the closing chapters of an adventure serial Futrelle wrote, "The Case of the Golden Plate", in 1906. The series was featured in several magazine articles, and the stories were later published in two volumes of collections. Futurelle was one of the passengers on the SS Titanic, which sank on April 15, 1912. He did not survive.
Died with the sinking of RMS Titanic, 400 miles south off Newfoundland.
Worked for several newspapers; originated the sports department at the Atlanta Journal.
Wrote mysteries and other store in his spare time; created the character of Professor Augustus S.F.X. van Dusen, "The Thinking Machine", consulting detective.
Children: Virginia (1897-1981) and Jacques Jr. (1898-1979).
