James Whitcomb Riley

James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916) was an American poet and writer known as the 'Hoosier Poet' for his dialect verse and nostalgic depictions of rural Indiana. His work for children and adults, including 'Little Orphant Annie' and 'When the Frost Is on the Punkin,' emphasized home, childhood, and perseverance, reflected in the quoted line about achievements born of sustained effort.