Ambrose Bierce was born on June 24, 1842, in Meigs county, Ohio. He worked as a printer's apprentice and enlisted in the Union Army to fight in the Civil War. After the war, he worked as an editor, journalist, and short story writer. He was recognized for his realistic style and satirical commentary in such works as The Devil's Dictionary, Fantastic Fables and Tales of Soldiers and Civilians. In December 1913, Bierce traveled to Chihuahua, Mexico, to gain first-hand experience of the Mexican Revolution led by Pancho Villa. Bierce disappeared and was never seen again.