John Seally facts for kids

John Seally was an English writer and clergyman who lived in the 1700s. He was born around 1741 or 1742 and passed away in 1795. He wrote many different kinds of books, including novels, poems, and school books, and was also involved in newspapers and magazines.

Life Story

John Seally was born in Somerset, England, around 1741 or 1742. He went to school at Bristol grammar school, where he first planned to become a clergyman. However, his uncle, who might have helped him, passed away.

So, John first worked in a lawyer's office. Later, he learned about business from a merchant named Malachy Postlethwayt. With support from his mother, he then became a journalist, writing for newspapers and magazines.

Around 1767, John Seally opened a school in Bridgwater Square, Westminster, London. After running the school for some years, he became a clergyman. In 1774, while visiting Rome, Italy, he joined a famous group called the Accademia degli Arcadi. This was a special academy for poets and writers.

In 1790, he became the vicar (a type of priest) for the churches in East Meon with Froxfield and Steep. John Seally was also chosen as a member of the Royal Society on June 30, 1791. The Royal Society is a very old and respected group that promotes science. He also earned degrees as a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.). He passed away in March 1795 in Queen Square, Westminster.

His Works

John Seally wrote many different types of books and articles. He published novels, poems, and books for schools. Here are some of his notable works:

• The Loves of Calisto and Emira, or the Fatal Legacy, published in London in 1776. This was a novel, and it was even translated into French.
• Moral Tales after the Eastern manner, published around 1780. These were stories meant to teach good lessons.
• The Marriage of Sir Gawaine, an opera from 1782. An opera is a play where the words are sung to music.
• A complete Geographical Dictionary, published in two volumes in London in 1787. This was a large book with information about different places in the world.
• The Lady's Encyclopaedia, published in three volumes in London in 1788. This was a comprehensive set of books, like an encyclopedia, for women.

He also wrote poems for different magazines. He started a political newspaper called Britannicus, though it did not last long. He also helped run other magazines like the Universal Museum and the Freeholder's Magazine. He was also involved with the St. James's Magazine.

Family Life

John Seally married Mary, who was the oldest daughter of Joseph Humphreys. Joseph Humphreys was a rector (a type of clergyman) in Ellisfield, Hampshire, and North Stoke, Somerset. Mary Seally survived him, meaning she was still alive when he passed away.