Inspirational Quotes by Robert Quillen (American Journalist)

Robert Quillen (1887–1948,) born Verni Robert Quillen, was an American newspaper columnist and humorist celebrated for his keen observations and humorous commentary on everyday life. His national recognition came through his syndicated column, Reflections, which he penned for over three decades.

Born in Syracuse, Kansas, Quillen attended local schools and, at the age of 27, produced the inaugural issue of Vox Populi, an ambitious semi-monthly magazine filled with articles, drawings, and his trademark cryptic sayings. In this venture, he coined humorous definitions like “diplomat: a liar who draws a salary for it” and “physician: a scientific guesser.”

In 1910, Quillen purchased the weekly advertising sheet News and Notions in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, from his brother-in-law. He transformed it into the Fountain Inn Tribune and began his insightful and often humorous reflections in 1911, featuring editorials, paragraphs, cartoons, and one-liners.

By 1932, Quillen’s syndicated national column, Small Town Stuff, appeared regularly in four hundred newspapers across the United States, Canada, England, and the Far East. He contributed to major periodicals like the Baltimore Sun, the Saturday Evening Post, and The American Magazine. His one-liners even found their way into Literary Digest.

Quillen’s authentic voice resonated with a broad readership, becoming an emblem of village life. Beyond his literary contributions, he actively engaged in civic affairs, holding roles such as the mayor of Fountain Inn. Among his well-known works is the compilation A Little About Everything (1926,) showcasing a selection of his columns. Additionally, his wit and humor shone through in The Fables of Fun (1928,) a collection of humorous fables.

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