John Duncan Craig facts for kids

John Duncan Craig was an Irish poet, writer, and a church leader. He was born in 1830 and passed away in 1909. He was also an expert in the language and stories from a region in France called Provence.

He was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father was a bank manager, so John lived in different places like County Sligo and County Cork when he was young.

His Life and Work

John Duncan Craig went to Trinity College, Dublin, a famous university, and earned several degrees. In 1853, he became a Deacon in the Church of Ireland. This meant he was a church leader. He worked as a chaplain in Irish prisons, helping people there. He also served in many towns like Dublin, Carrigaline, and Youghal. From 1865 to 1872, he was the last Vicar of Kinsale.

When he was young, John had to travel to the south of France because of his health. While he was there, he learned a lot about the local language and literature. Later, during the Franco-Prussian War, he joined the Prussian army as a chaplain. He was shot and seriously hurt during this time. He later wrote about his experiences in the war.

From 1873 to 1884, he worked as a chaplain at the Molyneux Asylum, which was a special hospital. After that, he was in charge of Holy Trinity Church in Dublin until he retired in 1901.

His Writings

John Duncan Craig wrote many books and poems. He wrote about his life, his travels, and the places he knew. He also wrote about the special language and culture of Provence, a region in France that he loved.

Here are some of his books:

• Real Pictures of Clerical Life in Ireland
• Reminiscences
• Ballads of the Irish Reign of Terror (1880)
• John Maverell, A Tale of the Riviera (1898)
• Bruce Reynell, or The Oxford Man in Ireland (1898)
• La Debanado: Scenes, Incidents and Sketches in France and Germany During the War (1871)
• Scriptural Coincidences; or, Traits of Truth
• Kinsale Tracts (1874)
• Lady Wilmerding of Maison Rouge
• The Handbook of the Modern Provençal Language
• Miejour; or, Provençal Legend, Life, Language, and Literature in the Land of the Felibre (1877)
• The Cross in Sardinia

His Family and Later Years

On April 19, 1860, John married Dorothea Bird. They had a son and a daughter. Later, he married Adelaide Allen, and he dedicated one of his books, Miejour, to her.

John Duncan Craig had to return to the south of France for his health again. He passed away in San Remo, Italy, on October 10, 1909.