Wimberly, Lowry C. (Lowry Charles), 1890-1959
Dates
- Existence: 1890-1959
Biography
Lowry Charles Wimberly was born in 1890 in Louisiana. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1916, his master’s in 1920 and his doctorate in 1925, all from the University of Nebraska. He joined the University as an instructor in 1917 and became a full professor in 1928. In 1926, Lowry Wimberly developed the concept of a literary magazine as an outlet for the creative work of University of Nebraska students. Student members of the "Wordsmith Chapter" of Sigma Upsilon, a national honorary literary society, were known as "Wimberly's Boys" and met in his home each Sunday. As the first editor of the Prairie Schooner, Wimberly worked on all aspects of the magazine. By 1956, Wimberly’s health declined and he requested to be placed on retirement, at which time he became a Professor Emeritus.
Wimberly wrote for many national magazines such as Harper's, The American Mercury, Atlantic Monthly, The Forum and the Saturday Review of Literature. He belonged to many social and professional organizations, such as the Second Presbyterian Church, The Masons, Cosmopolitan Club, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Upsilon, Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Tau Alpha, American Folklore Society, American Association of University Professors, The Nebraska Writers Guild and Midland Authors.
Wimberly married Ida May Boynton in 1910. Their four children were Steve, Ben, Ruth and Martha. Wimberly died July 8, 1959 at the age of 68.
