John Duncan (writer) facts for kids

John Duncan (born November 3, 1721 – died December 28, 1808) was an interesting English writer and a chaplain for the British Army. A chaplain is like a minister or priest who works with soldiers. He wrote about many different topics.

Early Life and Education

John Duncan was born in Bath, Somerset, England. His father, Dr. Daniel Duncan, wrote religious books. His grandfather, also named Daniel Duncan, was a doctor. John even wrote about his family for a famous book called the Biographia Britannica.

When he was twelve, John went to Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. Later, in 1739, he went to St John's College, Oxford. There, he became a "probationary fellow," which meant he was a junior member of the college, learning and teaching.

Military Service and Career

After finishing his studies and becoming a minister, John Duncan joined the army as a chaplain. He served with a special army regiment during the "Scots' rebellion" in 1746. This was a time when some people in Scotland tried to put a different king on the throne.

Later, he was also present at the Siege of St. Philip's Castle in Minorca in 1756. A "siege" is when an army surrounds a castle or city to try and capture it.

In 1757, he earned a special degree called a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). Six years later, he became the minister for the church in South Warnborough, Hampshire. He stayed there until he passed away in Bath on December 28, 1808.

His Writings

John Duncan wrote several books and essays. Here are some of his notable works:

• A sermon called The Defects and Dangers of a Pharisaical Righteousness, published in Glasgow in 1751. A sermon is a speech given in church.
• An Address to the Rational Advocates for the Church of England, which he wrote under the pen name Phileleutherus Tyro in 1759.
• The Evidence of Reason in Proof of the Immortality of the Soul. This book was based on notes from another writer, Mr. Baxter, and was published in 1779.
• A poem called "Essay on Happiness, in four books." This poem was so popular that it had a second edition in 1772.