Jack London was born John Griffiths Chaney and changed his name for unknown reasons. He was born on January 12, 1876 in San Francisco. His mother, Flora Wellman, was unmarried and of wealthy background. His father may have been William Chaney. Chaney was a journalist, lawyer, and a major figure in the development of American astrology. During his childhood his parents weren't there for him and he was looked after by an ex-slave, Virginia Prentiss (Memmie Jennie). London dropped out of school at the age of fourteen, and worked at a serie ....