J M (James Matthew) Barrie was born in Kirriemuir, Scotland in 1860. Peter Pan was inspired by the author’s friendship with the Llewelyn-Davies family. Barrie would tell George and Jack Llewyllen-Davies – the original lost boys – stories about Neverland. He originally wrote the story as a play and its first performance in 1904 was a hit. Barrie then adapted the play into the 1911 novel Peter Pan and Wendy. He was made a baronet in 1913 and awarded the Order of Merit in 1922. J.M. Barrie died on June 19, 1937.