BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX OF WRITERS.
Barrett, Eaton Stannard.—Satirist and poet, and one of the wittiest of writers. Born in Cork in 1786, he graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, and became a barrister in London. Some of his satires had great vogue, especially “All the Talents,” which was directed against a ministry still known by that description. He was the author of various burlesque novels, plays, and poems, but could write well on serious topics. Barrett died in Glamorganshire, Wales, on March 20th, 1820, through the bursting of a blood-vessel.Boucicault, Dion.—The real name of this popular dramatist and actor was Dionysius Lardner Bourcicault. He was born in Dublin on December 26th, 1822, and wrote the comedy of “London Assurance,” when only nineteen years old. His Irish dramas are well known, and are still considered the best of their kind. He was an admirable comedian, as well as dramatic writer. He spent many years in the United States, and died there in September 1890.Bourke, James Joseph.—Born in Dublin on September 17th, 1837. His poems are very widely known and appreciated among Irish people. Over the signature of “Tiria” he wrote largely for the Irish newspapers of the last thirty years. He died on April 28th, 1894.Boyle, William.—There are few Irish authors whose writings are more racy than his. He was born in 1853 at Dromiskin, co. Louth, and was educated at St. Mary’s College, Dundalk. He entered the Inland Revenue department in 1874, and is now stationed in Glasgow.Canning, George.—Born in London on April 11th, 1770. His father and mother were Irish, and he insisted that he was an Irishman born out of Ireland. After a brilliant Parliamentary career he became Prime Minister in 1827, but only held the position about three months, his death occurring on August 8th of that year. His witty essays were written in early life forThe MicrocosmandAnti-Jacobin.Cannings, Thomas.—A private soldier, who published at Cork in 1800, or thereabouts, a volume ofDetached Pieces in Verse. He belonged to the 61st Regiment.Carleton, William.—Author of theTraits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, and recognised as one of the greatest delineators of Irish character. Born at Prillisk, co. Tyrone, in 1794, he was the son of a peasant. His best-known work, already mentioned, appeared in 1830, and after that date scarcely a year passed without a new work of his appearing. He wrote largely for theDublin University Magazine, etc., and was granted a Civil List pension of £200 by Lord John Russell. He died near Dublin on January 30th, 1869.Coleman, Patrick James.—A native of Ballaghadeerin, co. Mayo, where he was born on September 2nd, 1867. He matriculated in London University, and in 1888 went to America. He now occupies a position in the journalistic world of Philadelphia, and is regarded as one of the rising Irish-American poets.Curran, John Philpot.—This noted orator and wit was born at Newmarket, co. Cork, on July 24th, 1750. His patriotism has endeared him to his countrymen, and his eloquence and humour have made his name widely familiar. He became Master of the Rolls in Ireland in 1806, and died in London on October 14th, 1817.Dawson, Arthur.—A Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland, was born about 1700, and graduated B.A. at Dublin University. He was appointed Baron of the Irish Court of Exchequer in 1742, and died in 1775.De Quincey, J.—A solicitor’s clerk in Limerick, who wrote a little humorous verse in the Irish papers some years ago.Downey, Edmund.—Author of the well-known stories signed “F. M. Allen,” such as “Through Green Glasses,” etc. These richly humorous Irish stories are perhaps better known, but can hardly be considered superior to his excellent sea-stories. “Anchor-Watch Yarns” and kindred tales by Mr. Downey place him in the front rank of writers of sea-stories. He was born in Waterford in 1856, and is the son of a shipowner and broker. He came to London in 1878, and was for a time in the office of Tinsley the publisher. He afterwards became a partner in the firm of Ward & Downey, from which he has now retired.Dufferin, Lady.—Born in 1807, the daughter of Thomas, son of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. She and her two sisters were noted for personal beauty; one of them, the Hon. Mrs. Norton, was also well known as a poetess. She married first the Hon. PryceBlackwood (afterwards Lord Dufferin), and afterwards the Earl of Gifford. The present Marquis of Dufferin is her son. She died on June 13th, 1867. Her poems are often exquisite in their pathos, humour, or grace.Ettingsall, Thomas.—A fishing-tackle manufacturer of Wood Quay, Dublin, and was born about the close of last century. He wrote only a few sketches and stories forThe Irish Penny Journal(1840) andDublin Penny Journal(1832). It was in the last-named magazine, on December 15th, 1832, that the story here given appeared. He was concerned with H. B. Code in the authorship ofThe Angling Excursions of Gregory Greendrake, which was published in Dublin in 1824. He was “Geoffrey Greydrake” of that work, which was reprinted fromThe Warder. He died in poor circumstances about 1850.Fahy, Francis Arthur.—One of the raciest and most humorous of Irish poets. Born in Kinvara, co. Galway, on September 29th, 1854, and came to London as a Civil Service clerk in 1873. He wrote many poems for the Irish papers, signed “Dreoilin” (the wren), and in 1887 published a collection ofIrish Songs and Poemsin Dublin. He is represented by a few pieces in the recently-issuedSongs of the Four Nations, and some of his later songs have been admirably set to music by Mrs. Needham.Farquhar, George.—This noted dramatist was born in Derry in 1678, and was the son of a clergyman. He studied at Dublin University and did not graduate. He went on the stage in 1695, but though successful as an actor, he left the stage and wrote plays, of which his most important are “The Beaux Stratagem,” “The Inconstant,” and “The Recruiting Officer.” He died in April 1707.Ferguson, Sir Samuel.—Is regarded as one of the greatest of Irish poets. Was born on March 10th, 1810; graduated at Dublin University, and was called to the Bar. He was one of the leading contributors toBlackwood’s Magazine, his “Father Tom and the Pope” (often attributed in error to others) appearing in its columns, and also his fine poem, “The Forging of the Anchor.” He published several volumes of very admirable poetry, and some graphic stories of ancient Ireland. He died on August 9th, 1886.French, William Percy.—Born at Clooniquin, co. Roscommon, on May 1st, 1854, and graduated at Dublin University. He is one of the cleverest of living Irish humorists, and is the author of many verses, stories, etc., most of which appeared in a small Dublin comic,The Jarvey, edited by himself. Some of his songs have become very popular, and he is also the author of thelibrettiof one or two operas.Goldsmith, Oliver.—The leading facts of Goldsmith’s career are almost too well known to need even bare mention. He was born at Pallas, near Ballymahon, co. Longford, on November 10th, 1728. He entered Dublin University, and graduated B.A. there in 1749. After wandering about the Continent he settled down in London to a literary life, his first experiences being those of a badly-paid hack. He died on April 4th, 1774, and was buried in the Temple.Graves, Alfred Perceval.—The author of “Father O’Flynn” is decidedly the most popular, after Lover, of the humorous Irish song-writers. He has not only produced many good songs in the lighter vein, but has also written excellent ones of a pathetic character. He is the son of the present Bishop of Limerick, and was born in Dublin in 1846. He is a graduate of Dublin, and holds the position of Inspector of Schools. He resided for some years in Taunton, but now lives in London. It would have been easy to extract a dozen inimitable pieces from his several volumes. He has done much to make Irish music and the Irish character better known.Griffin, Gerald.—Born in Limerick on December 12th, 1803, came to London in youth to carve out his fortune. He wrote some admirable Irish stories and some beautiful poems, as well as a tolerable play, but just as he was succeeding in literature he withdrew from the world, joining the order of the Christian Brothers. He died in Cork on June 12th, 1840. His best-known book isThe Collegians, or, the Colleen Bawn.Halpine, Charles Graham.—Author of one or two volumes of verse, some of which is occasionally very humorous. He was born at Oldcastle, co. Meath, in 1829, and was the son of a Protestant clergyman. He went to the United States in the fifties and fought through the Civil War, gaining the rank of colonel. He died through taking an overdose of chloral to induce sleep, on August 3rd, 1868.Hyde, Douglas, LL.D.—Is the son of Rev. Arthur Hyde of Frenchpark, co. Roscommon, and was born at Kilmactranny, co. Sligo, somewhere about 1860. Graduated at Dublin University, and had a brilliant career there. Is one of the foremost of living Irish writers, and a master of the Gaelic tongue. He is well known as a scholar and an enthusiast in folk-lore studies, and has published fine collections of Irish folk-tales and popular songs of the West of Ireland. He is also a clever writer of verse, both in Irish and in English.Kenealy, Edward Vaughan Hyde, LL.D.—Born in Cork on July 2nd, 1819, and graduated LL.D. at Dublin University in 1850. Was called to the English Bar in 1847, and had a somewhatstormy career as a member, being finally disbarred on account of his conduct in the famous Tichbourne case. He wrote a good deal forFraser’s Magazinein its early years, as also forBentley’s Miscellany, and published various collections of poetry. He was a vigorous journalist, and a man of undoubtedly great ability, and entered Parliament in 1875. He died on April 16th, 1880.Kickham, Charles Joseph.—A poet of the people, and a novelist of some power. To get a genuine impression of the home-life of the Munster people, his stories,Sally CavanaghandKnocknagow, or the Homes of Tipperary, should be read. He was born at Mullinahone, co. Tipperary, in 1828, and became a Fenian. He was connected withThe Irish People, the Fenian organ, and in 1865 was arrested and sentenced to fourteen years’ penal servitude. He lost his sight during his imprisonment, and was much shattered in health. He died on August 22nd, 1882.Lefanu, Joseph Sheridan.—Born in Dublin on August 28th, 1814, and graduated B.A. at Dublin University in 1837. He was called to the Bar, but devoted himself to literature and journalism. He owned two or three Dublin papers, and was editor ofThe Dublin University Magazine, also his property, where most of his novels and poems appeared. He is one of the most enthralling of novelists, hisUncle Silas,In a Glass Darkly, etc., being very powerful. His poems, such as “Shamus O’Brien,” are also very well known. He died on February 7th, 1873.Lever, Charles James.—This most widely read of Irish novelists was born in Dublin on August 31st, 1806, and graduated M.B. at Dublin University in 1831. He took his M.D. degree at Louvain, and became a dispensary doctor in Ireland, but also practised abroad for a time with success. He was editor ofThe Dublin University Magazinefrom 1842 to 1845, and wrote much for it, forBlackwood’s Magazineand other leading periodicals. There is no necessity to name any of his novels. He acted as English Consul in Italy, and died at Trieste on June 1st, 1872. His life has been admirably told by Mr. W. J. Fitzpatrick (1879; 2nd ed. 1882).Lover, Samuel.—Poet, painter, musician, dramatist, and novelist—and successful in all departments. His work in each was excellent, and he might have been considered great if he had confined himself to any one of them. He was born in Dublin on February 24th, 1797, and was first notable as a miniature painter. His weak eyesight, however, compelled him to give up the art. He wrote several clever plays, one or two tremendously popular novels, and some hundreds of songs, most of which he set to music himself. He died in Jersey on July 6th, 1868.Luttrell, Henry.—At one time Luttrell was one of the most popular men in London society, and known far and wide for his powers of repartee. He was born in 1766 or 1767, in Dublin, and was for a time a member of the Irish Parliament. After the Union he came to England, and was a frequent guest at the brilliant social functions of Holland House. He died in Brompton Square on December 19th, 1851. His “Advice to Julia” and “Crockford House” are clever verse of the light satirical order.Lysaght, Edward.—One of the most famous of Irish wits, born at Brickhill, co. Clare, on December 21st, 1763, and educated at Cashel, co. Tipperary, and at Oxford, where he graduated M. A. in 1788. He became a barrister, but was too much of abon vivantto succeed greatly in his profession. His reputation as a wit is not sustained by his collected poems. He has been accredited with the authorship of “Kitty of Coleraine,” “The Sprig of Shillelagh,” “Donnybrook Fair,” and “The Lakes of Mallow,” not one of which was written by him (vide“The Poets of Ireland, a biographical dictionary,” by D. J. O’Donoghue). He died in Dublin in 1810.Maginn, William, LL.D.—One of the greatest scholars and humorists Cork has produced. He was born in that city on July 10th, 1793, and graduated LL.D. at Dublin University in 1819. He was, from its commencement, the most brilliant contributor toBlackwood’s Magazine, and also editedFraseron its appearance in 1830. His fatal propensity to liquor prevented his doing himself justice, though he wrote many inimitable pieces, which have mostly been collected. He was one of the most lovable of men. He died on August 21st, 1842.Maher, William.—A Waterford clothier, who is considered the most likely author of “The Night before Larry was Stretched.” One thing is certain, Dean Burrowes of Cork didnotwrite it, as has often been claimed. Walsh’sIreland Sixty Years Ago(1847) gives it to Maher, who flourished about 1780.Mahony, Rev. Francis Sylvester.—Better remembered as “Father Prout,” the name he took as his pseudonym in writing. He was of Kerry family, but was born in Cork in 1804—not 1805, as is frequently said. He was educated for the priesthood at Amiens and Paris, and joined the Jesuit order. After some years, however, he practically gave up his functions, and led a Bohemian life. He was one of the most admired contributors toFraser, where his “Reliques” appeared. In later life he acted as Paris correspondent ofThe Globe(which he partly owned) and as Roman correspondent ofThe Daily News. Before his death, which occurred in Paris on May 18th, 1866, he repented of his disregard for his sacred calling. He was buried in his native city. It is extremely difficult to make extracts from his prose, on account of the superabundant classical allusions and references which it contains. He was not a very agreeable man, personally.Mangan, James Clarence.—One of the first of Irish poets, and held to be the greatest of them by many of his countrymen. He was born in Dublin on May 1st, 1803, and was the son of a grocer. He wrote innumerable poems to the Irish periodicals of his time, notablyThe NationandDublin University Magazine. He knew various languages, but his pretended translations from Turkish, Coptic, Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian are so many elaborate jokes. He was most unfortunate in life, mainly through his addiction to drink. His was a wonderful personality, which has attracted many writers, and his great poetical gifts are gradually becoming evident to English critics. He was greatly encouraged by his admirers, but to little purpose. His poems have been collected into several small volumes, but there is no complete edition, though it is badly wanted. He died in a Dublin hospital on June 20th, 1849. See John McCall’sLife of J. C. Manganfor further particulars of his interesting career.Mathew, Frank.—Is a solicitor and a nephew of the eminent English judge, Sir James Mathew. Was born in 1865, and his first literary work was his biography of his illustrious relative, Father Mathew, “The Apostle of Temperance.” His admirable Irish stories, which appeared inThe Idler, have been collected in a volume calledAt the Rising of the Moon. They are very graphically told.McCall, Patrick Joseph.—A genuinely Irish poet, whose original poems and translations from the Irish are very characteristic. He is the son of a Dublin grocer (the author of a memoir of Mangan), and was born in Dublin on March 6th, 1861. Was educated at the Catholic University School in his native city, and for some years has been a frequent and welcome contributor to the Dublin Nationalist press. A good selection of his poems has just been published under the title ofIrish Noinins. His stories have mostly appeared inThe Shamrockof Dublin.McKowen, James.—Born at Lambeg, near Lisburn, co. Antrim, on February 11th, 1814. He received only an elementary education, and was first employed at a thread manufactory, afterwards working as a linen-bleacher for many years. He wrote principally for North of Ireland papers, and was exceedingly popular with Ulster people, but one or two of his songs have found a much wider audience. He died on April 22nd, 1889.Moore, Thomas.—Son of a Dublin grocer, and born in that city on May 28th, 1779. He graduated at Dublin University, and studied law in London. He began to woo the muse, as the saying goes, at a very early age, but his first great success was occasioned by hisIrish Melodies, which began to appear in parts in 1806. He died on February 26th, 1852.O’Conor, Charles Patrick.—Born in co. Cork in or about 1837, and came to England in his youth. He has written some goodverse, and was granted a Civil List pension of £50 a year. To Irish papers he contributed very largely, and published several small collections of verse. His complete works were published by himself, and are to be obtained from him at Hither Green, Lewisham.O’Donnell, John Francis.—An Irish writer who is best known to his countrymen as a poet. He was born in Limerick in 1837, and began to write for the press at the age of fourteen. In 1861 he came to London, and wrote largely for various journals, including those of Charles Dickens. He died on May 7th, 1874. A selection from his poems was published in 1891, through the exertions of the Southwark Irish Literary Club.O’Flaherty, Charles.—Born in 1794, in Dublin, where his father was a pawnbroker in Ross Lane, and was apprenticed to a bookseller, eventually turning to journalism. He was on the staff of the DublinMorning Post, and afterwards edited theWexford Evening Post. He died in May 1828. He published three volumes of verse, and some of his songs enjoyed great popularity, especially “The Humours of Donnybrook Fair,” which is taken from hisTrifles in Poetry, 1813.O’Keeffe, John.—This popular dramatist was born in Dublin on June 24th, 1747, and was at first intended as an artist, as he was very deft with the pencil. But he preferred the stage, and was a successful actor for a time. Removing to London, he began to earn repute as a dramatist, writing numerous plays, chiefly operas and farces, which had great vogue. His “Wild Oats,” a comedy, still keeps the stage, and other pieces of his are still remembered. He lost his sight many years before his death, which occurred at Southampton on February 24th, 1833.O’Leary, Joseph.—Author ofThe Tribute, a collection of prose and verse, published anonymously at Cork in 1833. He was born in Cork about 1790, and was a contributor to the scurrilousFreeholderand other papers of his native city and of Dublin. He came to London in 1834, and acted as parliamentary reporter for theMorning Herald. Between 1840 and 1850 he disappeared, and is said to have committed suicide in the Regent’s Canal. “Whisky, Drink Divine” first appeared in TheFreeholderabout 1820.O’Leary, Patrick.—One of the foremost writers in Irish at the present day. He is a resident of West Cork, and is probably a native of that locality. The original of the sketch quoted appeared inThe Gaelic Journal, and was translated by himself for the present collection.O’Ryan, Jeremiah.—Born near Bansha, co. Tipperary, about the close of last century, and died in March 1855. He is generally known as “Darby Ryan of Bansha.” Some of his songs were collected and published in Dublin in 1861.Porter, Rev. Thomas Hamblin, D.D.—Born about 1800, and died some years ago, but little is known about him. He graduated D.D. at Dublin University in 1836, and wrote a few pieces, which were published in Dublin magazines. “The Nightcap” appeared about 1820.Roche, Sir Boyle.—Born probably in the south of Ireland about 1740. Was a soldier, and distinguished himself in the American War. He entered the Irish Parliament, and was created a baronet in 1782 by the Government for his unwavering support. He was pensioned for his service in voting for the Union, and died in Dublin on June 5th, 1807. He was noted for his very carefully prepared blunders in speech.Shalvey, Thomas.—A market-gardener in Dublin, who wrote some amusing poems for James Kearney, a vocalist who used to sing at several music-halls and inferior concert-rooms in Dublin a good many years ago. Kearney was very popular, and some of his best songs were written for him by Shalvey.Shaw, George Bernard.—Born in Dublin in 1856, is now recognised as one of the most brilliant of musical critics in London. He was for a time a land agent in the West of Ireland, but was always a musical enthusiast, and belongs to a musical family well known in Dublin. He has a profound knowledge of music, but a somewhat flippant way of showing it. He has written several clever novels, and literary, art, and musical criticisms for leading London papers. He was the caustic “Corno di Bassetto” ofThe Star, and is now the musical critic ofThe World. He is also a brilliant speaker, and has quite recently come to the front as a dramatist.Sheridan, Richard Brinsley.—Born in October 1751, in Dorset Street, Dublin, and son of a noted actor and manager. As dramatist, orator, and spendthrift, Sheridan’s name figures very prominently in the memoirs of his time. His wit was squandered in every direction as well as his cash, and he has been reproached for making every one of the characters in his plays as witty as himself. He was an important personality in the politics of his day, and sat in the English Parliament for many years. He died in debt and poverty on July 7th, 1816, and was accorded a grand burial in Westminster Abbey.Steele, Sir Richard.—Born in Dublin in 1671 or 1672, and educated at the Charterhouse School, London, and at Oxford. In 1709 he commenced the publication ofThe Tatler, and followed it up byThe Spectator, etc. He also wrote several comedies, and other works. He entered Parliament in 1713, and held one or two Government offices. He died in Wales on September 1st, 1729.Sterne, Rev. Laurence.—Born at Clonmel, co. Tipperary, on November 24th, 1713, and graduated M.A. at Cambridge in 1740.His father was an officer in the army. He was ordained about 1740, and after some years of inactivity at home and travel abroad, wrote his great work,Tristram Shandy, which appeared at intervals between 1759 and 1767.His Sentimental Journeyappeared in 1768. He died on March 18th, 1768.Sullivan, Timothy Daniel.—This well-known politician is one of the most widely read of the Irish verse-writers, and has written a few songs which have deeply impressed themselves on Irish memories. But he excels in the writing of political skits, which at one time formed one of the chief features of theNationnewspaper, then edited by him. Several volumes of his poetical work have been published. He was born at Bantry, co. Cork, in 1827.Swift, Rev. Jonathan, D.D.—This greatest of satirists in the English tongue was born in Hoey’s Court, Dublin, on November 30th, 1667, and graduated B. A. at Dublin University in 1686, and afterwards at Oxford. He was ordained in 1694, and published TheTale of a Tubin 1705.Gulliver’s Travelsfollowed in 1726–27, and innumerable other works came from his pen. He was one of Ireland’s champions, and had an extraordinary popularity with the people. He died on October 19th, 1745.Wade, Joseph Augustine.—An unfortunate Irish genius, born in Dublin in 1796, and the son of a dairyman in Thomas Street. As a poet and musician Wade has been highly praised. He composed some excellent songs. He made large sums of money by his writings and music, but was very erratic in his career. He died in poverty on September 29th, 1845.Waller, John Francis, LL.D.—Born in Limerick in 1809, and connected with the Wallers of co. Tipperary. He graduated LL.D. at Dublin University in 1852, and held an important Government position in Dublin for many years. He was editor of TheDublin University Magazinefor some time, and published several volumes of clever prose and verse. He is one of the best of Irish song-writers. Died on January 19th, 1894.Williams, Richard Dalton.—Born in Dublin, of Tipperary family, on October 8th, 1822. Was one of the earliest and one of the leading contributors toThe Nation, writing generally over the signature of “Shamrock.” His writings are often very fierce and intense, but his true power lay in the humorous vein, some of his parodies being almost unrivalled. He was implicated in the ’48 rising and was arrested, but was soon released, and went to America, where he became a professor of English literature at Mobile, Alabama. He was a medical student when he wrote forThe Nation. He died in Louisiana on July 5th, 1862.Winstanley, John.—A Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. He was born in 1678, and died in 1750. His poems first appeared in 1742, a second series being published after his death by his son.
Barrett, Eaton Stannard.—Satirist and poet, and one of the wittiest of writers. Born in Cork in 1786, he graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, and became a barrister in London. Some of his satires had great vogue, especially “All the Talents,” which was directed against a ministry still known by that description. He was the author of various burlesque novels, plays, and poems, but could write well on serious topics. Barrett died in Glamorganshire, Wales, on March 20th, 1820, through the bursting of a blood-vessel.
Boucicault, Dion.—The real name of this popular dramatist and actor was Dionysius Lardner Bourcicault. He was born in Dublin on December 26th, 1822, and wrote the comedy of “London Assurance,” when only nineteen years old. His Irish dramas are well known, and are still considered the best of their kind. He was an admirable comedian, as well as dramatic writer. He spent many years in the United States, and died there in September 1890.
Bourke, James Joseph.—Born in Dublin on September 17th, 1837. His poems are very widely known and appreciated among Irish people. Over the signature of “Tiria” he wrote largely for the Irish newspapers of the last thirty years. He died on April 28th, 1894.
Boyle, William.—There are few Irish authors whose writings are more racy than his. He was born in 1853 at Dromiskin, co. Louth, and was educated at St. Mary’s College, Dundalk. He entered the Inland Revenue department in 1874, and is now stationed in Glasgow.
Canning, George.—Born in London on April 11th, 1770. His father and mother were Irish, and he insisted that he was an Irishman born out of Ireland. After a brilliant Parliamentary career he became Prime Minister in 1827, but only held the position about three months, his death occurring on August 8th of that year. His witty essays were written in early life forThe MicrocosmandAnti-Jacobin.
Cannings, Thomas.—A private soldier, who published at Cork in 1800, or thereabouts, a volume ofDetached Pieces in Verse. He belonged to the 61st Regiment.
Carleton, William.—Author of theTraits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, and recognised as one of the greatest delineators of Irish character. Born at Prillisk, co. Tyrone, in 1794, he was the son of a peasant. His best-known work, already mentioned, appeared in 1830, and after that date scarcely a year passed without a new work of his appearing. He wrote largely for theDublin University Magazine, etc., and was granted a Civil List pension of £200 by Lord John Russell. He died near Dublin on January 30th, 1869.
Coleman, Patrick James.—A native of Ballaghadeerin, co. Mayo, where he was born on September 2nd, 1867. He matriculated in London University, and in 1888 went to America. He now occupies a position in the journalistic world of Philadelphia, and is regarded as one of the rising Irish-American poets.
Curran, John Philpot.—This noted orator and wit was born at Newmarket, co. Cork, on July 24th, 1750. His patriotism has endeared him to his countrymen, and his eloquence and humour have made his name widely familiar. He became Master of the Rolls in Ireland in 1806, and died in London on October 14th, 1817.
Dawson, Arthur.—A Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland, was born about 1700, and graduated B.A. at Dublin University. He was appointed Baron of the Irish Court of Exchequer in 1742, and died in 1775.
De Quincey, J.—A solicitor’s clerk in Limerick, who wrote a little humorous verse in the Irish papers some years ago.
Downey, Edmund.—Author of the well-known stories signed “F. M. Allen,” such as “Through Green Glasses,” etc. These richly humorous Irish stories are perhaps better known, but can hardly be considered superior to his excellent sea-stories. “Anchor-Watch Yarns” and kindred tales by Mr. Downey place him in the front rank of writers of sea-stories. He was born in Waterford in 1856, and is the son of a shipowner and broker. He came to London in 1878, and was for a time in the office of Tinsley the publisher. He afterwards became a partner in the firm of Ward & Downey, from which he has now retired.
Dufferin, Lady.—Born in 1807, the daughter of Thomas, son of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. She and her two sisters were noted for personal beauty; one of them, the Hon. Mrs. Norton, was also well known as a poetess. She married first the Hon. PryceBlackwood (afterwards Lord Dufferin), and afterwards the Earl of Gifford. The present Marquis of Dufferin is her son. She died on June 13th, 1867. Her poems are often exquisite in their pathos, humour, or grace.
Ettingsall, Thomas.—A fishing-tackle manufacturer of Wood Quay, Dublin, and was born about the close of last century. He wrote only a few sketches and stories forThe Irish Penny Journal(1840) andDublin Penny Journal(1832). It was in the last-named magazine, on December 15th, 1832, that the story here given appeared. He was concerned with H. B. Code in the authorship ofThe Angling Excursions of Gregory Greendrake, which was published in Dublin in 1824. He was “Geoffrey Greydrake” of that work, which was reprinted fromThe Warder. He died in poor circumstances about 1850.
Fahy, Francis Arthur.—One of the raciest and most humorous of Irish poets. Born in Kinvara, co. Galway, on September 29th, 1854, and came to London as a Civil Service clerk in 1873. He wrote many poems for the Irish papers, signed “Dreoilin” (the wren), and in 1887 published a collection ofIrish Songs and Poemsin Dublin. He is represented by a few pieces in the recently-issuedSongs of the Four Nations, and some of his later songs have been admirably set to music by Mrs. Needham.
Farquhar, George.—This noted dramatist was born in Derry in 1678, and was the son of a clergyman. He studied at Dublin University and did not graduate. He went on the stage in 1695, but though successful as an actor, he left the stage and wrote plays, of which his most important are “The Beaux Stratagem,” “The Inconstant,” and “The Recruiting Officer.” He died in April 1707.
Ferguson, Sir Samuel.—Is regarded as one of the greatest of Irish poets. Was born on March 10th, 1810; graduated at Dublin University, and was called to the Bar. He was one of the leading contributors toBlackwood’s Magazine, his “Father Tom and the Pope” (often attributed in error to others) appearing in its columns, and also his fine poem, “The Forging of the Anchor.” He published several volumes of very admirable poetry, and some graphic stories of ancient Ireland. He died on August 9th, 1886.
French, William Percy.—Born at Clooniquin, co. Roscommon, on May 1st, 1854, and graduated at Dublin University. He is one of the cleverest of living Irish humorists, and is the author of many verses, stories, etc., most of which appeared in a small Dublin comic,The Jarvey, edited by himself. Some of his songs have become very popular, and he is also the author of thelibrettiof one or two operas.
Goldsmith, Oliver.—The leading facts of Goldsmith’s career are almost too well known to need even bare mention. He was born at Pallas, near Ballymahon, co. Longford, on November 10th, 1728. He entered Dublin University, and graduated B.A. there in 1749. After wandering about the Continent he settled down in London to a literary life, his first experiences being those of a badly-paid hack. He died on April 4th, 1774, and was buried in the Temple.
Graves, Alfred Perceval.—The author of “Father O’Flynn” is decidedly the most popular, after Lover, of the humorous Irish song-writers. He has not only produced many good songs in the lighter vein, but has also written excellent ones of a pathetic character. He is the son of the present Bishop of Limerick, and was born in Dublin in 1846. He is a graduate of Dublin, and holds the position of Inspector of Schools. He resided for some years in Taunton, but now lives in London. It would have been easy to extract a dozen inimitable pieces from his several volumes. He has done much to make Irish music and the Irish character better known.
Griffin, Gerald.—Born in Limerick on December 12th, 1803, came to London in youth to carve out his fortune. He wrote some admirable Irish stories and some beautiful poems, as well as a tolerable play, but just as he was succeeding in literature he withdrew from the world, joining the order of the Christian Brothers. He died in Cork on June 12th, 1840. His best-known book isThe Collegians, or, the Colleen Bawn.
Halpine, Charles Graham.—Author of one or two volumes of verse, some of which is occasionally very humorous. He was born at Oldcastle, co. Meath, in 1829, and was the son of a Protestant clergyman. He went to the United States in the fifties and fought through the Civil War, gaining the rank of colonel. He died through taking an overdose of chloral to induce sleep, on August 3rd, 1868.
Hyde, Douglas, LL.D.—Is the son of Rev. Arthur Hyde of Frenchpark, co. Roscommon, and was born at Kilmactranny, co. Sligo, somewhere about 1860. Graduated at Dublin University, and had a brilliant career there. Is one of the foremost of living Irish writers, and a master of the Gaelic tongue. He is well known as a scholar and an enthusiast in folk-lore studies, and has published fine collections of Irish folk-tales and popular songs of the West of Ireland. He is also a clever writer of verse, both in Irish and in English.
Kenealy, Edward Vaughan Hyde, LL.D.—Born in Cork on July 2nd, 1819, and graduated LL.D. at Dublin University in 1850. Was called to the English Bar in 1847, and had a somewhatstormy career as a member, being finally disbarred on account of his conduct in the famous Tichbourne case. He wrote a good deal forFraser’s Magazinein its early years, as also forBentley’s Miscellany, and published various collections of poetry. He was a vigorous journalist, and a man of undoubtedly great ability, and entered Parliament in 1875. He died on April 16th, 1880.
Kickham, Charles Joseph.—A poet of the people, and a novelist of some power. To get a genuine impression of the home-life of the Munster people, his stories,Sally CavanaghandKnocknagow, or the Homes of Tipperary, should be read. He was born at Mullinahone, co. Tipperary, in 1828, and became a Fenian. He was connected withThe Irish People, the Fenian organ, and in 1865 was arrested and sentenced to fourteen years’ penal servitude. He lost his sight during his imprisonment, and was much shattered in health. He died on August 22nd, 1882.
Lefanu, Joseph Sheridan.—Born in Dublin on August 28th, 1814, and graduated B.A. at Dublin University in 1837. He was called to the Bar, but devoted himself to literature and journalism. He owned two or three Dublin papers, and was editor ofThe Dublin University Magazine, also his property, where most of his novels and poems appeared. He is one of the most enthralling of novelists, hisUncle Silas,In a Glass Darkly, etc., being very powerful. His poems, such as “Shamus O’Brien,” are also very well known. He died on February 7th, 1873.
Lever, Charles James.—This most widely read of Irish novelists was born in Dublin on August 31st, 1806, and graduated M.B. at Dublin University in 1831. He took his M.D. degree at Louvain, and became a dispensary doctor in Ireland, but also practised abroad for a time with success. He was editor ofThe Dublin University Magazinefrom 1842 to 1845, and wrote much for it, forBlackwood’s Magazineand other leading periodicals. There is no necessity to name any of his novels. He acted as English Consul in Italy, and died at Trieste on June 1st, 1872. His life has been admirably told by Mr. W. J. Fitzpatrick (1879; 2nd ed. 1882).
Lover, Samuel.—Poet, painter, musician, dramatist, and novelist—and successful in all departments. His work in each was excellent, and he might have been considered great if he had confined himself to any one of them. He was born in Dublin on February 24th, 1797, and was first notable as a miniature painter. His weak eyesight, however, compelled him to give up the art. He wrote several clever plays, one or two tremendously popular novels, and some hundreds of songs, most of which he set to music himself. He died in Jersey on July 6th, 1868.
Luttrell, Henry.—At one time Luttrell was one of the most popular men in London society, and known far and wide for his powers of repartee. He was born in 1766 or 1767, in Dublin, and was for a time a member of the Irish Parliament. After the Union he came to England, and was a frequent guest at the brilliant social functions of Holland House. He died in Brompton Square on December 19th, 1851. His “Advice to Julia” and “Crockford House” are clever verse of the light satirical order.
Lysaght, Edward.—One of the most famous of Irish wits, born at Brickhill, co. Clare, on December 21st, 1763, and educated at Cashel, co. Tipperary, and at Oxford, where he graduated M. A. in 1788. He became a barrister, but was too much of abon vivantto succeed greatly in his profession. His reputation as a wit is not sustained by his collected poems. He has been accredited with the authorship of “Kitty of Coleraine,” “The Sprig of Shillelagh,” “Donnybrook Fair,” and “The Lakes of Mallow,” not one of which was written by him (vide“The Poets of Ireland, a biographical dictionary,” by D. J. O’Donoghue). He died in Dublin in 1810.
Maginn, William, LL.D.—One of the greatest scholars and humorists Cork has produced. He was born in that city on July 10th, 1793, and graduated LL.D. at Dublin University in 1819. He was, from its commencement, the most brilliant contributor toBlackwood’s Magazine, and also editedFraseron its appearance in 1830. His fatal propensity to liquor prevented his doing himself justice, though he wrote many inimitable pieces, which have mostly been collected. He was one of the most lovable of men. He died on August 21st, 1842.
Maher, William.—A Waterford clothier, who is considered the most likely author of “The Night before Larry was Stretched.” One thing is certain, Dean Burrowes of Cork didnotwrite it, as has often been claimed. Walsh’sIreland Sixty Years Ago(1847) gives it to Maher, who flourished about 1780.
Mahony, Rev. Francis Sylvester.—Better remembered as “Father Prout,” the name he took as his pseudonym in writing. He was of Kerry family, but was born in Cork in 1804—not 1805, as is frequently said. He was educated for the priesthood at Amiens and Paris, and joined the Jesuit order. After some years, however, he practically gave up his functions, and led a Bohemian life. He was one of the most admired contributors toFraser, where his “Reliques” appeared. In later life he acted as Paris correspondent ofThe Globe(which he partly owned) and as Roman correspondent ofThe Daily News. Before his death, which occurred in Paris on May 18th, 1866, he repented of his disregard for his sacred calling. He was buried in his native city. It is extremely difficult to make extracts from his prose, on account of the superabundant classical allusions and references which it contains. He was not a very agreeable man, personally.
Mangan, James Clarence.—One of the first of Irish poets, and held to be the greatest of them by many of his countrymen. He was born in Dublin on May 1st, 1803, and was the son of a grocer. He wrote innumerable poems to the Irish periodicals of his time, notablyThe NationandDublin University Magazine. He knew various languages, but his pretended translations from Turkish, Coptic, Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian are so many elaborate jokes. He was most unfortunate in life, mainly through his addiction to drink. His was a wonderful personality, which has attracted many writers, and his great poetical gifts are gradually becoming evident to English critics. He was greatly encouraged by his admirers, but to little purpose. His poems have been collected into several small volumes, but there is no complete edition, though it is badly wanted. He died in a Dublin hospital on June 20th, 1849. See John McCall’sLife of J. C. Manganfor further particulars of his interesting career.
Mathew, Frank.—Is a solicitor and a nephew of the eminent English judge, Sir James Mathew. Was born in 1865, and his first literary work was his biography of his illustrious relative, Father Mathew, “The Apostle of Temperance.” His admirable Irish stories, which appeared inThe Idler, have been collected in a volume calledAt the Rising of the Moon. They are very graphically told.
McCall, Patrick Joseph.—A genuinely Irish poet, whose original poems and translations from the Irish are very characteristic. He is the son of a Dublin grocer (the author of a memoir of Mangan), and was born in Dublin on March 6th, 1861. Was educated at the Catholic University School in his native city, and for some years has been a frequent and welcome contributor to the Dublin Nationalist press. A good selection of his poems has just been published under the title ofIrish Noinins. His stories have mostly appeared inThe Shamrockof Dublin.
McKowen, James.—Born at Lambeg, near Lisburn, co. Antrim, on February 11th, 1814. He received only an elementary education, and was first employed at a thread manufactory, afterwards working as a linen-bleacher for many years. He wrote principally for North of Ireland papers, and was exceedingly popular with Ulster people, but one or two of his songs have found a much wider audience. He died on April 22nd, 1889.
Moore, Thomas.—Son of a Dublin grocer, and born in that city on May 28th, 1779. He graduated at Dublin University, and studied law in London. He began to woo the muse, as the saying goes, at a very early age, but his first great success was occasioned by hisIrish Melodies, which began to appear in parts in 1806. He died on February 26th, 1852.
O’Conor, Charles Patrick.—Born in co. Cork in or about 1837, and came to England in his youth. He has written some goodverse, and was granted a Civil List pension of £50 a year. To Irish papers he contributed very largely, and published several small collections of verse. His complete works were published by himself, and are to be obtained from him at Hither Green, Lewisham.
O’Donnell, John Francis.—An Irish writer who is best known to his countrymen as a poet. He was born in Limerick in 1837, and began to write for the press at the age of fourteen. In 1861 he came to London, and wrote largely for various journals, including those of Charles Dickens. He died on May 7th, 1874. A selection from his poems was published in 1891, through the exertions of the Southwark Irish Literary Club.
O’Flaherty, Charles.—Born in 1794, in Dublin, where his father was a pawnbroker in Ross Lane, and was apprenticed to a bookseller, eventually turning to journalism. He was on the staff of the DublinMorning Post, and afterwards edited theWexford Evening Post. He died in May 1828. He published three volumes of verse, and some of his songs enjoyed great popularity, especially “The Humours of Donnybrook Fair,” which is taken from hisTrifles in Poetry, 1813.
O’Keeffe, John.—This popular dramatist was born in Dublin on June 24th, 1747, and was at first intended as an artist, as he was very deft with the pencil. But he preferred the stage, and was a successful actor for a time. Removing to London, he began to earn repute as a dramatist, writing numerous plays, chiefly operas and farces, which had great vogue. His “Wild Oats,” a comedy, still keeps the stage, and other pieces of his are still remembered. He lost his sight many years before his death, which occurred at Southampton on February 24th, 1833.
O’Leary, Joseph.—Author ofThe Tribute, a collection of prose and verse, published anonymously at Cork in 1833. He was born in Cork about 1790, and was a contributor to the scurrilousFreeholderand other papers of his native city and of Dublin. He came to London in 1834, and acted as parliamentary reporter for theMorning Herald. Between 1840 and 1850 he disappeared, and is said to have committed suicide in the Regent’s Canal. “Whisky, Drink Divine” first appeared in TheFreeholderabout 1820.
O’Leary, Patrick.—One of the foremost writers in Irish at the present day. He is a resident of West Cork, and is probably a native of that locality. The original of the sketch quoted appeared inThe Gaelic Journal, and was translated by himself for the present collection.
O’Ryan, Jeremiah.—Born near Bansha, co. Tipperary, about the close of last century, and died in March 1855. He is generally known as “Darby Ryan of Bansha.” Some of his songs were collected and published in Dublin in 1861.
Porter, Rev. Thomas Hamblin, D.D.—Born about 1800, and died some years ago, but little is known about him. He graduated D.D. at Dublin University in 1836, and wrote a few pieces, which were published in Dublin magazines. “The Nightcap” appeared about 1820.
Roche, Sir Boyle.—Born probably in the south of Ireland about 1740. Was a soldier, and distinguished himself in the American War. He entered the Irish Parliament, and was created a baronet in 1782 by the Government for his unwavering support. He was pensioned for his service in voting for the Union, and died in Dublin on June 5th, 1807. He was noted for his very carefully prepared blunders in speech.
Shalvey, Thomas.—A market-gardener in Dublin, who wrote some amusing poems for James Kearney, a vocalist who used to sing at several music-halls and inferior concert-rooms in Dublin a good many years ago. Kearney was very popular, and some of his best songs were written for him by Shalvey.
Shaw, George Bernard.—Born in Dublin in 1856, is now recognised as one of the most brilliant of musical critics in London. He was for a time a land agent in the West of Ireland, but was always a musical enthusiast, and belongs to a musical family well known in Dublin. He has a profound knowledge of music, but a somewhat flippant way of showing it. He has written several clever novels, and literary, art, and musical criticisms for leading London papers. He was the caustic “Corno di Bassetto” ofThe Star, and is now the musical critic ofThe World. He is also a brilliant speaker, and has quite recently come to the front as a dramatist.
Sheridan, Richard Brinsley.—Born in October 1751, in Dorset Street, Dublin, and son of a noted actor and manager. As dramatist, orator, and spendthrift, Sheridan’s name figures very prominently in the memoirs of his time. His wit was squandered in every direction as well as his cash, and he has been reproached for making every one of the characters in his plays as witty as himself. He was an important personality in the politics of his day, and sat in the English Parliament for many years. He died in debt and poverty on July 7th, 1816, and was accorded a grand burial in Westminster Abbey.
Steele, Sir Richard.—Born in Dublin in 1671 or 1672, and educated at the Charterhouse School, London, and at Oxford. In 1709 he commenced the publication ofThe Tatler, and followed it up byThe Spectator, etc. He also wrote several comedies, and other works. He entered Parliament in 1713, and held one or two Government offices. He died in Wales on September 1st, 1729.
Sterne, Rev. Laurence.—Born at Clonmel, co. Tipperary, on November 24th, 1713, and graduated M.A. at Cambridge in 1740.His father was an officer in the army. He was ordained about 1740, and after some years of inactivity at home and travel abroad, wrote his great work,Tristram Shandy, which appeared at intervals between 1759 and 1767.His Sentimental Journeyappeared in 1768. He died on March 18th, 1768.
Sullivan, Timothy Daniel.—This well-known politician is one of the most widely read of the Irish verse-writers, and has written a few songs which have deeply impressed themselves on Irish memories. But he excels in the writing of political skits, which at one time formed one of the chief features of theNationnewspaper, then edited by him. Several volumes of his poetical work have been published. He was born at Bantry, co. Cork, in 1827.
Swift, Rev. Jonathan, D.D.—This greatest of satirists in the English tongue was born in Hoey’s Court, Dublin, on November 30th, 1667, and graduated B. A. at Dublin University in 1686, and afterwards at Oxford. He was ordained in 1694, and published TheTale of a Tubin 1705.Gulliver’s Travelsfollowed in 1726–27, and innumerable other works came from his pen. He was one of Ireland’s champions, and had an extraordinary popularity with the people. He died on October 19th, 1745.
Wade, Joseph Augustine.—An unfortunate Irish genius, born in Dublin in 1796, and the son of a dairyman in Thomas Street. As a poet and musician Wade has been highly praised. He composed some excellent songs. He made large sums of money by his writings and music, but was very erratic in his career. He died in poverty on September 29th, 1845.
Waller, John Francis, LL.D.—Born in Limerick in 1809, and connected with the Wallers of co. Tipperary. He graduated LL.D. at Dublin University in 1852, and held an important Government position in Dublin for many years. He was editor of TheDublin University Magazinefor some time, and published several volumes of clever prose and verse. He is one of the best of Irish song-writers. Died on January 19th, 1894.
Williams, Richard Dalton.—Born in Dublin, of Tipperary family, on October 8th, 1822. Was one of the earliest and one of the leading contributors toThe Nation, writing generally over the signature of “Shamrock.” His writings are often very fierce and intense, but his true power lay in the humorous vein, some of his parodies being almost unrivalled. He was implicated in the ’48 rising and was arrested, but was soon released, and went to America, where he became a professor of English literature at Mobile, Alabama. He was a medical student when he wrote forThe Nation. He died in Louisiana on July 5th, 1862.
Winstanley, John.—A Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. He was born in 1678, and died in 1750. His poems first appeared in 1742, a second series being published after his death by his son.