Andrew Houston facts for kids
Andrew Houston (born March 20, 1850 – died September 1920) was an Irish poet. He was born in Doonbreeda, near Nephin in County Mayo, Ireland. Later, he moved to the Rossendale area in England. People there called him the Rossendale Bard because of his poetry.
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Andrew Houston's Life
Andrew Houston was a writer from Ireland who lived in the Rossendale Valley. He wrote many poems and songs. His book, called Poems and Songs, was published in 1912. Many of his poems had first appeared in a local newspaper.
Early Years and Moving to England
Andrew was born on March 20, 1850, in a small village in West Mayo, Ireland. His father was a school teacher and also wrote poems and songs. When Andrew was eleven years old, he left Ireland. He moved to Newchurch-in-Rossendale, England.
Andrew worked in local factories, called mills, until 1880. After that, he became a traveling salesperson. He later moved to Derbyshire, but he always loved to visit Rossendale. He enjoyed spending time with his old friends there.
His Personality and Writings
People who knew Andrew Houston said he looked happy and had a friendly eye. He loved being free and easygoing. From his writings, we can see that he enjoyed being around people. He also loved exploring the open lands, called moors, around Rossendale.
Andrew had a deep love for both the Rossendale Valley and his old home in Ireland.
Poems About Rossendale
Andrew Houston wrote about the friendly people of Bacup in his poem "Bonny Owd Bacup." Many people from old Rossendale appear in his poems. These include Mr. Terry, a schoolmaster, and members of the old Edgeside Drum and Fife Band.
His song "Molly Magee" reminds people of the summers before World War I. During those summers, Irish haymakers came to Rossendale. They were skilled workers who helped local farmers with their hay. Andrew Houston wrote more than one hundred poems and songs during his life.
