John Percy Groves facts for kids

John Percy Groves (26 October 1850 – 13 February 1916) was a British author, librarian, and soldier. He wrote exciting adventure stories and informative books for young readers, especially boys. Many of his books had a military theme. He also wrote detailed history books about different army regiments, particularly Scottish ones.

Early Life and Military Training

John Percy Groves was born in Bath, England, on October 26, 1850. His father, John Richard Groves, was a former Major in the Rifle Brigade, a famous army unit. His mother, Elizabeth Louisa Groves, had a brother named Osmond de Beauvoir Priaulx. He later gave the Priaulx Library to the people of Guernsey.

In 1861, young John Percy Groves was a student at Wing Rectory. He later attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous place where army officers are trained. In 1867, he bought a "commission" to become an Ensign. This meant he officially joined the army as a junior officer.

A Life in the Army

Groves officially became an Ensign in the 67th (South Hampshire) Regiment of Foot on February 10, 1869. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1871. This was part of a big change in the British Army called the Cardwell Reforms. These reforms made it so officers could no longer buy their promotions.

In 1872, Groves moved to a different regiment, the 27th Regiment of Foot (the Inniskilling Fusiliers). He left the regular army in March 1873, just two weeks after getting married. Later, he joined the reserve officers. After moving to Guernsey, he became a Major in the Royal Guernsey Militia in 1889. By 1892, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Guernsey Artillery.

Family and Home Life

John Percy Groves married Harriet Augusta Raines on March 11, 1873. Harriet's father was a retired Colonel, and her brother was a well-known General.

John and Harriet had eight children together. Seven of them lived to become adults. One of their sons, George Percy Raines Groves, became an actor. Another son, Ralph Gore Devereux Groves, later used the name Groves-Raines.

In 1883, Groves worked briefly at Bradfield College. He helped improve the College's Rifle Corps, which was a group for students interested in military training.

Writing and Library Work

Groves wrote three main types of books, and most of them had illustrations:

• Adventure stories for boys with military themes.
• Informative books or annuals for boys.
• Military history books, often focusing on specific army regiments.

He started writing adventure stories for young people in 1883. His first book was called From Cadet to Captain. It was about a young person trying to become a military officer. Another book, Charmouth Grange (1886), was a historical tale about the 1600s.

In 1889, Groves became the Secretary and Librarian for the Priaulx Library in Guernsey. This library was special because it was donated by his wife's uncle, Osmond de Beauvoir Priaulx. This connection likely helped him get the job.

While working at the library, Groves continued to write. In 1891 alone, he published several books, including two novels and a history book for young readers. In 1893, he started a series of books about the Scottish regiments. These were high-quality books with colorful illustrations.

Groves mostly stopped writing books by 1896, except for one final work in 1904. His wife, Harriet, passed away in 1908. Groves resigned from his library job in 1910 and left Guernsey. By 1911, he was living with his son John Henry, who had become a poultry farmer. Groves described himself as a retired Lieutenant-Colonel and a writer.

In 1912, Groves married for a second time to Mary Louisa Ridley. He was 65 and Mary was 61 when they married.

Later Life and Passing

John Percy Groves died in Southend-on-Sea, England, on February 13, 1916. He was survived by his second wife, Mary, and six of his children.

Published Works

Most of the books John Percy Groves wrote were for young readers.

Books for Young Readers

Some of his stories first appeared in magazines for young people. For example, Tar-bucket and Pipe-clay was first published in Young England magazine.