John M. Stahl, writer and lecturer, was born in Mendon, Illinois, in 1860. He began writing at an early age, and specialized in agricultural, economic, historical, and literary topics. He was a frequent speaker at farmers' meetings and Chautauqua assemblies. Stahl spent some years as a lobbyist in Washington, and supported such reforms as direct election of senators. He initiated the movement for free rural mail delivery. Twice Stahl was offered cabinet positions, under Presidents Harrison and Wilson, and in both cases he declined to accept.
Stahl was the author of a number of books, including: The Real Farmer, 1908; Just Stories, 1916; The Battle of Plattsburg, 1918; Invasion of the City of Washington, 1918; The Battle of New Orleans, 1930; and Growing with the West (autobiography), 1930.
