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. Pryce Blackwood (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 for The Irish Penny Journal (1840) and Dublin 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 of The Angling Excursions of Gregory Greendrake, which was published in Dublin in 1824. He was “Geoffrey Greydrake” of that work, which was reprinted from The 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 of Irish Songs and Poems in Dublin. He is represented by a few pieces in the recently-issued Songs 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 to Blackwood’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 the libretti of 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.