L Ron Hubbard

L Ron Hubbard - Founder of Church of Scientology, Career and Family

Violet FieldHome › AmericanL Ron HubbardMarch 13, 1911431 views

0 based on 0 rates
L Ron Hubbard Biography Stories 

L Ron Hubbard's Personal Details

L Ron Hubbard was an American author, philosopher, and the founder of the ‘Church of Scientology.’ Let’s take a look at his childhood, family, personal life, thoughts, etc.

InformationDetail
BirthdayMarch 13, 1911
Died onJanuary 24, 1986
NationalityAmerican
FamousIntellectuals & Academics, Philosophers, Founder of Church of Scientology
City/StateNebraska
SpousesMargaret Grubb (m. 1933–1947), Mary Sue Hubbard (m. 1952–1986), Sara Northrup Hollister (m. 1946–1951)
Known asLafayette Ronald Hubbard
ChildrensAlexis Hubbard, Arthur Hubbard, Diana Hubbard, Katherine May Hubbard, L. Ron Hubbard Jr., Quentin Hubbard, Suzette Hubbard
Universities
  • George Washington University(dropped out in 1932)
Founder / Co-Founder
  • Church of Scientology
Birth PlaceTilden, Nebraska
Height183
GenderMale
FatherHarry Ross Hubbard
MotherLedora May
Sun SignPisces
Born inTilden, Nebraska
Famous asFounder of Church of Scientology
Died at Age74

L Ron Hubbard's photo

Who is L Ron Hubbard?

L Ron Hubbard was an American author, philosopher, and the founder of the ‘Church of Scientology.’ He started as a writer of science fiction but later moved to self-help and psychology-related topics. From his early days, Hubbard showed an interest in building a different path. He started his literary career by contributing articles to his university newspaper. Later, he started writing for pulp-fiction magazines. He experimented with a variety of genres, such as adventure, science fiction, travel, mystery, and romance. Hubbard joined the ‘United States Navy’ and served during the Second World War. However, due to health issues, he soon resigned from the ‘United States Navy.’ Thereafter, he got acquainted with occultist Jack Parsons. He collaborated with Parsons to develop a series of magical rituals. Hubbard authored the book ‘Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health,’ based on his research and observations of the human mind. He developed Dianetics as a branch of psychology that aimed to find the causes and cures of mental tensions. Hubbard established several organizations to spread his philosophy. After the initial boom, problems crept up and Hubbard lost the rights to Dianetics in bankruptcy proceedings. Later, he founded the ‘Church of Scientology,’ which was said to possess ways to improve mental and physical health. Soon, it became a global success. However, the explosive theories of the cult gradually lost their charm. Hubbard was branded a paranoid schizophrenic. He faced legal threats and was convicted for fraud. During the last few years of his life, Hubbard went into hiding and lived in a luxury motorhome. He died at the age of 74. Although followers of Scientology consider him a saint, the general public does not believe his claims.

// Famous Intellectuals & Academics

Bertil Gotthard Ohlin

Bertil Gotthard Ohlin

Bertil Gotthard Ohlin was a famous Swedish economist. This biography profiles his childhood, family life & achievements.

Emily Greene Balch

Emily Greene Balch

Emily Greene Balch was an American economist, sociologist and pacifist who won the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize. This biography of Emily Greene Balch provides detailed information about her childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.

Martin Buber

Martin Buber

One of the greatest philosophers to have ever walked on earth, Martin Buber contributions to philosophy is a long-standing one. Explore all about his profile, childhood, life and timeline here.

Childhood & Early Life

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard was born on March 13, 1911, in Nebraska. His mother, Ledora May, was a teacher, and his father, Harry Ross Hubbard, was a naval officer with the ‘United States Navy.’ He was the only child of his parents.

As a child, L Ron Hubbard was active in the ‘Boy Scouts.’ He earned the rank of ‘Eagle Scout’ before turning 13. He attended the ‘Queen Anne High School’ in Seattle and then enrolled at the ‘Helena High School.’ While in school, Hubbard was inclined toward writing but failed to score good grades. According to his parents’ wishes, Hubbard appeared for the ‘Naval Academy’ entrance examination. However, he failed to qualify.

In 1930, Hubbard graduated from the ‘Woodward School for Boys.’ He then attended the ‘George Washington University’ and studied civil engineering for two years. During his university days, Hubbard organized a sailing expedition to the Caribbean. The aim of the mission was to discover specimens and exhibits for museums. The expedition was hit by bad weather and financial crisis. It was a complete failure.

Career

During the 1930s, L Ron Hubbard started his career as a writer. He worked for the ‘George Washington University’ student newspaper, ‘The University Hatchet.’ He wrote for pulp-fiction magazines, using various pseudonyms. Hubbard’s stories covered genres such as mystery, science-fiction, romance, and horror.

In 1937, Hubbard published his first full-length novel, ‘Buckskin Brigades.’ He wrote several stories and novelettes for science-fiction magazines such as the ‘Unknown’ and the ‘Astounding Science Fiction.’ His stories ‘Fear,’ ‘Final Blackout,’ and ‘Typewriter in the Sky’ were appreciated by the public. In 1938, he wrote the script for the movie series ‘The Secret of Treasure Island.’

In 1938, Hubbard authored a manuscript, ‘Excalibur,’ in which he intended to outline the basic principles of human existence. According to Hubbard, he was inspired to write the book during a surgery, during which he had “died” for eight minutes. Records showed that Hubbard was referring to a dental extraction done using a chemical, which had hallucinogenic effects. He believed that this book, if published, would revolutionize theories of human life. Hubbard tried to publish his book, but there were no takers. Later, the unpublished manuscript became a part of Scientology texts.

In 1940, Hubbard joined ‘The Explorers Club’ and led an expedition to Alaska. The expedition was a failure. After returning, Hubbard applied to join the ‘United States Navy.’ In 1941, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the ‘US Naval Reserve.’ He commanded two anti-submarine vessels for brief periods. Hubbard was found to be lacking the judgement and co-operation needed for a commander. Besides, he suffered from health issues such as duodenal ulcer and reduced vision. In 1946, Hubbard was transferred to inactive duty, and in 1950, he resigned.

In 1945, Hubbard moved in with engineer and occultist Jack Parsons. Hubbard was influenced by the magical practices followed by Parsons. They collaborated on developing the ‘Babalon Working,’ a sex magic ritual. Hubbard befriended Parson’s girlfriend, Sara, and they eventually got married. Hubbard and Sara formed a partnership, in which Parsons invested his entire savings. Due to an alleged fraud by Hubbard, the friendship fell apart. The couple soon moved out from Parsons’s mansion.

In 1948, Hubbard moved to Savannah, Georgia. He volunteered to help patients in mental hospitals, with his unique counseling techniques. This led to the development of a new branch of psychology, which he called Dianetics. Dianetics stated that the human brain was capable of recording every event in the life of an individual and that this could later trigger mental or physical problems. It also stated that through the process of “auditing,” traces of memory in the brain could be removed. Thus, a person, after “auditing,” would be completely cured of all illnesses. Dianetics believed that the mind could completely rule the body.

Dianetics was a success initially. Hubbard trained many “auditors” who could cure sick people. Gradually, people started doubting the claims of a complete cure. Many “auditors” became self-professed leaders, which troubled Hubbard. He lost the rights to Dianetics in a legal suit. After the decline of Dianetics, Hubbard concentrated on developing a new line of research, which he called Scientology.

Scientology, which currently has a number of followers across the globe, is based on the doctrine that the true self of a man is immortal and omnipotent. The aim of Scientology is to restore the original powers of the self, through systematic practices. While Dianetics defied God, Scientology embraces spirituality. Hubbard invented an “E- meter,” which was said to reveal the innermost thoughts of an individual. Scientologists stated that man could attain godly powers.

The organizational hierarchy of Scientology was strictly controlled by Hubbard. There were branches and franchises, but they had to pay a portion of their income to the head organization. Soon, Scientology became widely accepted across the globe. The franchises were called ‘Churches of Scientology,’ and the “auditors” dressed like clergymen. During the 1950s, Scientology witnessed a steady increase in the number of followers.

During the 1970s, Hubbard’s organization ran into trouble with government agencies across the world. The tax exemption granted to the ‘Church of Scientology’ was withdrawn. Medicines marketed by them were found to be ineffective. Several countries turned hostile toward Hubbard and his teachings. Hubbard tried to find a safe haven. He created a fleet of ships, named the ‘Sea Org,’ and started sailing in search of a safe country where Scientology could prosper. However, he was rejected everywhere. The French government charged him with fraud and customs violations. He was convicted “in absentia” and sentenced to four years in prison.

Personal Life & Legacy

L Ron Hubbard spent the last few years of his life in hiding. He lived all alone in a luxury motorhome in California, for the last two years before death. The outside world speculated about whether Hubbard was dead or alive. In January 1986, he suffered a stroke. He died a week later. After his death, his body was cremated and the ashes were scattered in the sea.

Hubbard had married thrice. He married Margaret “Polly” Grubb in 1933. The couple had a son, Lafayette Ronald Hubbard Jr., nicknamed “Nibs,” and a daughter, Katherine May. When Hubbard moved to California, Polly refused to join him. She stayed in Washington with their kids.

In 1946, Hubbard married Sara “Betty” Northrup, who was Jack Parsons’s girlfriend. This was done before his divorce from his first wife, Polly. In 1947, Polly filed for divorce and was granted the custody of her children. Hubbard and Sara had a daughter, Alexis Valerie.

In 1950, Sara began dating Dianetics “auditor,” Miles Hollister. Hubbard tried to brand them as communist infiltrators. He tortured Sara, and tried to declare her insane. In 1951, Sara filed for divorce, and it was soon granted.

After his second divorce, Hubbard married Mary Sue Whipp, a staff member of the ‘Hubbard College.’ They had four children: Arthur Ronald, Geoffrey Quentin, Diana Meredith, and Mary Suzette. Mary Sue headed the ‘Guardian’s Office,’ which was created by Hubbard to manage legal threats and public relations. When Hubbard left abruptly, Sue was forced to resign from her position.

After Hubbard’s death, a trust fund was created to support his wife and children. The copyrights of Hubbard’s literary works, and much of his estate, were willed to the ‘Church of Scientology.’ Hubbard holds the ‘Guinness World Record’ for the most-published and the most-translated author.

// Famous Philosophers

Martin Buber

Martin Buber

One of the greatest philosophers to have ever walked on earth, Martin Buber contributions to philosophy is a long-standing one. Explore all about his profile, childhood, life and timeline here.

Lao Tzu (Laozi)

Lao Tzu (Laozi)

Lao Tzu was a legendary Chinese philosopher who wrote the important “Daodejing”. This biography profiles his childhood, life, career, achievements and timeline.

Alan Watts

Alan Watts

Alan Watts was a famous British philosopher known for his Zen teachings and interpretations of Eastern philosophy. Read more about this great philosopher in the following article.

L Ron Hubbard biography timelines

  • // 13th Mar 1911
    Lafayette Ronald Hubbard was born on March 13, 1911, in Nebraska. His mother, Ledora May, was a teacher, and his father, Harry Ross Hubbard, was a naval officer with the ‘United States Navy.’ He was the only child of his parents.
  • // 1930
    In 1930, Hubbard graduated from the ‘Woodward School for Boys.’ He then attended the ‘George Washington University’ and studied civil engineering for two years. During his university days, Hubbard organized a sailing expedition to the Caribbean. The aim of the mission was to discover specimens and exhibits for museums. The expedition was hit by bad weather and financial crisis. It was a complete failure.
  • // 1933
    Hubbard had married thrice. He married Margaret “Polly” Grubb in 1933. The couple had a son, Lafayette Ronald Hubbard Jr., nicknamed “Nibs,” and a daughter, Katherine May. When Hubbard moved to California, Polly refused to join him. She stayed in Washington with their kids.
  • // 1937 To 1938
    In 1937, Hubbard published his first full-length novel, ‘Buckskin Brigades.’ He wrote several stories and novelettes for science-fiction magazines such as the ‘Unknown’ and the ‘Astounding Science Fiction.’ His stories ‘Fear,’ ‘Final Blackout,’ and ‘Typewriter in the Sky’ were appreciated by the public. In 1938, he wrote the script for the movie series ‘The Secret of Treasure Island.’
  • // 1938
    In 1938, Hubbard authored a manuscript, ‘Excalibur,’ in which he intended to outline the basic principles of human existence. According to Hubbard, he was inspired to write the book during a surgery, during which he had “died” for eight minutes. Records showed that Hubbard was referring to a dental extraction done using a chemical, which had hallucinogenic effects. He believed that this book, if published, would revolutionize theories of human life. Hubbard tried to publish his book, but there were no takers. Later, the unpublished manuscript became a part of Scientology texts.
  • // 1945
    In 1945, Hubbard moved in with engineer and occultist Jack Parsons. Hubbard was influenced by the magical practices followed by Parsons. They collaborated on developing the ‘Babalon Working,’ a sex magic ritual. Hubbard befriended Parson’s girlfriend, Sara, and they eventually got married. Hubbard and Sara formed a partnership, in which Parsons invested his entire savings. Due to an alleged fraud by Hubbard, the friendship fell apart. The couple soon moved out from Parsons’s mansion.
  • // 1946 To 1947
    In 1946, Hubbard married Sara “Betty” Northrup, who was Jack Parsons’s girlfriend. This was done before his divorce from his first wife, Polly. In 1947, Polly filed for divorce and was granted the custody of her children. Hubbard and Sara had a daughter, Alexis Valerie.
  • // 1948
    In 1948, Hubbard moved to Savannah, Georgia. He volunteered to help patients in mental hospitals, with his unique counseling techniques. This led to the development of a new branch of psychology, which he called Dianetics. Dianetics stated that the human brain was capable of recording every event in the life of an individual and that this could later trigger mental or physical problems. It also stated that through the process of “auditing,” traces of memory in the brain could be removed. Thus, a person, after “auditing,” would be completely cured of all illnesses. Dianetics believed that the mind could completely rule the body.
  • // 1950 To 1951
    In 1950, Sara began dating Dianetics “auditor,” Miles Hollister. Hubbard tried to brand them as communist infiltrators. He tortured Sara, and tried to declare her insane. In 1951, Sara filed for divorce, and it was soon granted.
  • // Jan 1986
    L Ron Hubbard spent the last few years of his life in hiding. He lived all alone in a luxury motorhome in California, for the last two years before death. The outside world speculated about whether Hubbard was dead or alive. In January 1986, he suffered a stroke. He died a week later. After his death, his body was cremated and the ashes were scattered in the sea.

// Famous Nebraska peoples

Molly Eskam

Molly Eskam

Molly Eskam is an American model and social media personality. Check out this biography to know about her birthday, childhood, family life, achievements, and fun facts about her.

Lucas Cruikshank

Lucas Cruikshank

Lucas Cruikshank is an American YouTube personality who has played a vital role in popularizing the video sharing platform. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about his life.

Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks is an American novelist known for his romantic novels. Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.

Jojo Siwa

Jojo Siwa

Jojo Siwa is an American dancer, singer, actress and YouTuber. Let’s take a look at her family and personal life, age, birthday, career, net worth, boyfriends, and some fun facts.

Paula Zahn

Paula Zahn

Paula Zahn is an American newscaster and journalist. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her.

Caril Ann Fugate

Caril Ann Fugate

Caril Ann Fugate is the youngest female in the history of the United States to have been tried for first-degree murder. Check out this biography to know more about her.

L Ron Hubbard's FAQ

  • What is L Ron Hubbard birthday?

    L Ron Hubbard was born at 1911-03-13

  • When was L Ron Hubbard died?

    L Ron Hubbard was died at 1986-01-24

  • Where was L Ron Hubbard died?

    L Ron Hubbard was died in Creston, California

  • Which age was L Ron Hubbard died?

    L Ron Hubbard was died at age 74

  • Where is L Ron Hubbard's birth place?

    L Ron Hubbard was born in Tilden, Nebraska

  • What is L Ron Hubbard nationalities?

    L Ron Hubbard's nationalities is American

  • Who is L Ron Hubbard spouses?

    L Ron Hubbard's spouses is Margaret Grubb (m. 1933–1947), Mary Sue Hubbard (m. 1952–1986), Sara Northrup Hollister (m. 1946–1951)

  • Who is L Ron Hubbard childrens?

    L Ron Hubbard's childrens is Alexis Hubbard, Arthur Hubbard, Diana Hubbard, Katherine May Hubbard, L. Ron Hubbard Jr., Quentin Hubbard, Suzette Hubbard

  • What was L Ron Hubbard universities?

    L Ron Hubbard studied at George Washington University(dropped out in 1932)

  • Which company or organization was founded by L Ron Hubbard?

    L Ron Hubbard was the founder/co-founder of Church of Scientology

  • How tall is L Ron Hubbard?

    L Ron Hubbard's height is 183

  • Who is L Ron Hubbard's father?

    L Ron Hubbard's father is Harry Ross Hubbard

  • Who is L Ron Hubbard's mother?

    L Ron Hubbard's mother is Ledora May

  • What is L Ron Hubbard's sun sign?

    L Ron Hubbard is Pisces

  • How famous is L Ron Hubbard?

    L Ron Hubbard is famouse as Founder of Church of Scientology