William Sydney Porter (September 11, 1862 – June 5, 1910), an American short-story writer  known by his pen name O. Henry. He pioneered in picturing the lives of lower-class and middle-class New Yorkers. His rich work experience (a reporter, a bank teller, a ranch hand) was reflected in his stories.
As a result of technical mismanagement  William Porter was indicted in 1896 for embezzling bank funds. Then he worked as a reporter in New Orleans and Honduras. After the death of his wife O`Henry was imprisoned. During his imprisonment Porter wrote adventure stories and quickly became popular, his stories were collected in Cabbages and Kings.
He continued writing work after imprisonment in New Yourk City. Suffered  finacial and health problems William  Porter died on June 5, 1910 in New York.
O. Henry wrote hundreds of short stories including "The Ransom of Red Chief" (1910), "The Duplicity of Hargraves" (1902), and "The Gift of the Magi" (1905).O. Henry's short stories are known for their wit, wordplay, warm characterization, and clever twist endings. He wrore in a dry and humorous style and often used surprise ending in order to underline ironies.
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