 The inspiration for Stratton-Porter's novel came from an early life experience of when her teenage brother Leander drowned in the Wabash River on July 6, 1872.The title character of "Laddie" is modeled after Stratton-Porter's deceased older brother, Leander, to whom she gave the nickname of Laddie.As in Stratton-Porter's own family, Laddie is connected with the land and identifies with Stratton-Porter's father's vocation of farming.