John Paradise facts for kids

John Paradise (1743–1795) was an interesting person from England and Greece. He was known as a brilliant linguist, which means he was very good at learning and speaking many languages. He was also a close friend of the famous writer Samuel Johnson and a member of the important Royal Society.

Life of John Paradise

Early Life and Education

John Paradise was born in April 1743 in a city called Thessalonica. His father, Peter Paradise, was the English consul there, which means he represented England in that city. John went to school in Padua, a city in Italy. After his education, he lived most of his life in London, England.

He was very talented with languages. John could speak and understand many different ones, including ancient and modern Greek, Latin, Turkish, French, Italian, and English. Two important American leaders, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, even encouraged him to move to America because of his skills. In the 1780s, John helped Thomas Jefferson learn Greek through letters they exchanged.

A Friend to Famous People

John Paradise was recognized for his knowledge. In 1769, he earned a Master of Arts degree from Oxford University. Later, in 1776, he received another special degree called Doctor of Civil Law. He was also chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1771. This is a very old and respected group of scientists and thinkers in the United Kingdom.

His home in London was a popular place for smart and creative people to gather. He often hosted leading writers and thinkers. The famous writer Samuel Johnson frequently dined with him. Once, Johnson even met another important thinker, Joseph Priestley, at John's house. When Samuel Johnson started a special evening club in 1783, John Paradise was one of the regular members. Sir Joshua Reynolds, a famous painter, described John as "very learned." John Paradise was also one of the people who attended Samuel Johnson's funeral.

His Later Years

John Paradise was also a friend of Sir William Jones, another well-known scholar. People described John as a quiet, modest, and friendly person. He lived in different parts of London, including Charles Street and later Great Titchfield Street. He passed away in London on December 12, 1795.

In his will, John Paradise left money for special mourning rings to be made for nine important people. These rings were a way to remember him. The people who received them included Isaac Hawkins Browne, Nathaniel Burwell, Bennet Langton, Samuel Horsley, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Warburton Lytton, Frederick North, William Windham, and Semyon Romanovich Woronzow.

His Family

On May 18, 1769, John Paradise married Lucy. She was born in 1751 and passed away in 1814. Lucy was the daughter of Philip Ludwell III, who owned a large farm in Virginia, America. Around 1805, after John and their two daughters had passed away, Lucy moved back to Williamsburg, Virginia. She lived in a house known as the Ludwell-Paradise House.