Frank H. Spearman

Frank Hamilton Spearman (September 6, 1859 – December 29, 1937) was an American writer.

The books were illustrated by leading artists, such as N. C. Wyeth for Whispering Smith.

Spearman was also a devout Roman Catholic convert and held political views best described as proto-Libertarian, both of which beliefs are also reflected in his novels.

His western novel Whispering Smith—the title character of which was modeled on real-life Union Pacific Railroad detectives Timothy Keliher and Joe Lefors (though the name of the titular hero was apparently derived from another UPRR policeman, James L. "Whispering" Smith)—was made into a movie on eight separate occasions, four silent films in 1916, 1917, 1926, and 1927, with later versions in 1930, 1935, 1948, and 1952.

For example, The Paper Tiger press brought out reprints in 1996, complete with the original illustrations.