Marie Author:Laura E. Richards Laura Richards was born in 1850 in Massachusetts to a prominent family. Her father founded the Perkins Institute and the Massachusetts School for the Blind. Laura's mother Julia Ward Howe wrote The Battle Hymn of the Republic. From an early age Laura was exposed to language and the arts. Laura Richards was a prolific writer of books for children... more ». Captain January is perhaps her most famous owing to the movie starring Shirley temple. During the 1890's Richard wrote several interrelated books including Melody, Marie, Bethsada Pool, and Rosin the Bean. Marie was the mother of Rosin. Melody was Rosin's friend. Rosin was the teacher of the fiddler at the dance in Bathsada Pool.« less