John Leacock
John Leacock was a notable figure born in 1729 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a relatively affluent family. Initially, he trained as an apprentice to a gold or silversmith, soon achieving success in his trade. At the age of twenty-three, he married Hannah McCally and, following his father's death in 1753, he established a shop in the heart of Philadelphia's precious metal trade. As his business flourished, Leacock also ventured into agriculture, acquiring a farm in 1767 and later attempting to create a public vineyard in 1772. However, he is primarily recognized for his contributions to literature, particularly in the realm of parody and satire during the 1770s. His works, such as "The First Book of the American Chronicles of the Times" and "The Fall of British Tyranny," were well-received and gained popularity through reprints in local newspapers. After a life marked by both business endeavors and literary achievements, Leacock lived out his later years quietly in Pennsylvania before passing away in 1802.
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Subject Terms
John Leacock
Writer
- Born: December 21, 1729
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Died: November 16, 1802
- Place of death: Pennsylvania
Biography
John Leacock was born in 1729 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family was fairly well to do. In his younger years, Leacock was believed to be an apprentice to a gold or silversmith. After his training, Leacock became successful at his trade rather quickly.
At age twenty-three, Leacock married a woman by the name of Hannah McCally. In 1753, with the death of his father, Leacock was able to open a shop in the center of Philadelphia’s precious metal trade. As his business grew, so did his involvement in local goings-on. In 1767 Leacock purchased and began to operate a farm. In 1772, he began steps to create a public vineyard.
Leacock is best known for his writing. He was a writer of parody and satire in the 1770’s. His parodies include The First Book of the American Chronicles of the Times, a propaganda piece that took the form of a Bible story, as well as The Fall of British Tyranny written in 1776. The works won instant attention, and were reprinted in local newspapers of the time. Leacock lived out the remainder of his life rather quietly in Pennsylvania, dabbling in local politics. Leacock passed away in his home in 1802.