Richard Henry Little (Chicago Reporter)
Richard Henry Little, a native son of Bloomington and an Illinois Wesleyan University law graduate, became a celebrated war correspondent and a notable figure in Chicago journalism. Known for his vibrant and dynamic reporting style, Little covered major conflicts around the globe, including the Spanish-American War, the Filipino rebellion against the U.S., and World War I. His adventurous spirit led him from the classrooms of Bloomington to the front lines of wars in Cuba, the Philippines, China, Germany, and Russia.
Little's reports from Cuba in 1898 garnered significant attention, marking his rise in journalism. He gained further recognition for his coverage of the Russo-Japanese War and his capture by the Russians in China, an incident that stirred international tensions. Despite injuries sustained during the Russian Civil War, his passion for storytelling never waned.
Back in Bloomington, Little was a sought-after public speaker, captivating audiences with tales from the field. His humor and wit were evident, even in recounting mishaps like the loss of carrier pigeons meant for transporting news. Oscar-winning screenwriter Ben Hecht once suggested Little could have rivaled Mark Twain.
Later in his career, Little took over the Chicago Tribune’s “A Line O’ Type or Two” column, a role that showcased his lighter side and his ability to engage with everyday topics humorously. He married Shelby Melton, a contributor to his column, and retired to Virginia, where he lived until his passing in 1946. The Pantagraph fondly remembered him as a man who thrived on action and adventure, a "racehorse" who was only truly himself in the midst of chaos and conflict.
Richard Henry Little,
25 Aug 1869 - 27 Apr 1946
Richard Henry Little obituary. New York Times 28 April 1946
