When asked to prepare a brief biography to appear with his first nationally published story, "A Rose for Emily," in
The Forum magazine for April 1930, Faulkner submitted the following: "Born male and single at early age in Mississippi. Quit school after five years in seventh grade. Got job in Grandfather's bank and learned medicinal value of his liquor. Grandfather thought janitor did it. Hard on janitor. War came. Liked British uniform. Got commission R.F.C., pilot. Crashed. Cost British gov't £2000. Was still pilot.Crashed. Cost British gov't £2000. Quit. Cost British gov't $84.30. King said, 'Well done.' Returned to Mississippi. Family got job: postmaster. Resigned by mutual agreement on part of two inspectors; accused of throwing all incoming mail into garbage can. How disposed of outgoing mail never proved. Inspectors foiled. Had $700. Went to Europe. Met man named Sherwood Anderson. Said, 'Why not write novels? Maybe won't have to work.' Did.
Soldiers' Pay. Did.
Mosquitoes. Did.
Sound and Fury. Did.
Sanctuary, out next year. Now flying again. Age 32. Own and operate own typewriter." In general, the facts are not far wrong.
He was the first of four sons born to Murry Cuthbert and Maud Butler Falkner.
