Cozzens, Frederick Swartout (1818-1869), author of The Sayings of Dr. Bushwhacker and other Learned Men, and The Sparrowgrass Papers. A genuine humorist and graceful writer. Some of his work was published under the pen-name “Richard Haywarde.”
Curtis, George William (1824-1892). As the “Easy Chair” in Harper’s Magazine, Mr. Curtis’ work was familiar to a wide circle of readers throughout the English-speaking world. His writings are all brightened by a vein of refined and genial humour. His chief works are Nile Notes, The Howadji in Syria, Lotus-Eating, Potiphar Papers, Prue and I, and Trumps.
Derring, Nathaniel (1791-1881), a playwright of note and humorous story writer. Author of Bozzaris and The Clairvoyants.
De Mille, James, Canadian (1837-1880). He began his career as a humorous writer while still at school, his writings appearing in New Brunswick papers. In 1860 he was appointed to the Chair of Classics in Acadia College, and four years later that of history and rhetoric in Dalhousie College, Halifax, holding the position till his death. He published, during his comparatively short lifetime, more than twenty books, of which The Dodge Club found the most readers.
Dennie, Joseph (1768-1812), a lawyer who thought better of it, and adopted literature as a profession. In 1801 he became editor of the Portfolio, and, under the nom de plume “Oliver Old School,” edited and wrote for it till his death. His Short Sermons for Idle Readers are rich in humour.
Depew, Chauncey Mitchell, born 1834. He entered politics before 1860, and has stayed in ever since. He is President of the New York Central Railway, the right-hand man of the Republican party, and America’s most famous facetious after-dinner speaker and story-teller.
Derby, George Horatio (“John Phœnix”), 1823-1861, a graduate of West Point, and served in the war with Mexico, receiving a severe wound in the battle of Cerro Gordo. He explored Minnesota territory in 1849, and after holding many important government positions, was made captain of engineers. He died from effects produced by sunstroke. Under the pseudonym “John Phœnix,” he wrote the first of what may be called newspaper humour. His Phœnixiana and The Squibob Papers have been published on both sides the Atlantic.
Diaz, Mrs. Abby (1821), a humorous writer for the young; author of Chronicles of the Stimpcett Family, The William Henry Letters, etc.
Dodge, H. C., a writer of newspaper verse, ready with his rhymes, but whose chief ingenuity is displayed in the typographical arrangements of his verse.
Douglass, William, a Scotsman who made America his home in 1718. He was a famous satirist in his day.