The American author Clarence Edward Mulford, who lived from 3 February 1883 to 10 May 1956, is most known for creating the fictional character Hopalong Cassidy. Illinois's Streator is where Mulford was born. While residing in Fryeburg, Maine, he developed Hopalong Cassidy in 1904. The numerous short stories and 28 novels were adapted into radio, feature films, television, and comic books, frequently departing greatly from the original works, particularly in the character's characteristics. Mulford did more than just compose a very successful series of Western novels; he also constructed a complete authentic world with characters based on his considerable library research. Francis Nevins, Mulford's biographer, described his writing as "rooted in Victorian convention." Nevins claims that he created the first Western series with enduring characters, and that, in contrast to the characters created by the majority of following Western series authors, his characters grew older. In Portland, Maine, he passed away from postoperative complications. He donated a large portion of the proceeds from his publications to regional causes.