Thomas Dunn English
Thomas Dunn English was a 19th-century American author, poet, and politician, born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1819. He came from a Quaker lineage that arrived in the U.S. in the late 17th century. English demonstrated a talent for writing early on, contributing to The Philadelphia Press by age seventeen, and he later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a medical degree in 1839. Following his medical studies, he pursued a career in law and became a notable editor and writer, producing a wide array of literary works including poems, songs, and plays.
English is particularly known for his poetry, with works like "The Ballad of Louisiana," and for his contentious rivalry with Edgar Allan Poe, culminating in a physical altercation and public criticisms. He held various editorial positions, notably with a humorous publication called John Donkey. Politically active, he served in the New Jersey State Legislature and represented New Jersey in the U.S. Congress during the 1890s. English's legacy includes over one thousand poems and several notable songs, including "Ben Bolt," along with contributions to theater and ongoing influences in American literature. He passed away in New Jersey in 1902.
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Subject Terms
Thomas Dunn English
Representative
- Born: June 29, 1819
- Birthplace: Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Died: April 1, 1902
- Place of death: New Jersey
Biography
Thomas Dunn English was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1819. He was a descendant of Quakers who originally arrived in the United States in 1684 and settled in New Jersey. As a child English studied in a number of private schools, including Friends boarding school in Burlington, New Jersey. At the age of seventeen, English was already writing for The Philadelphia Press. A few years later, in 1839, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in medicine. After earning his medical degree, English returned to school and studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1842, and during this period he also began writing a multitude of poems, songs, pamphlets, articles, plays, and books. He also worked as an editor.
In 1844 English became an editor for a New York newspaper. A year later he attempted to start up The Aristidean, a literary magazine that produced only a single issue. During this time he became known for his poetry as well as for his opposition and criticism of the work of Edgar Allan Poe. The two were involved in a fistfight, and the altercation later led to rumors of Poe’s insanity. English later became editor of a humorous publication called John Donkey in which he continued to satirize and criticize Poe.
In 1852 English relocated to Virginia, and in 1959 he moved to New Jersey, where he practiced medicine and continued writing. English was responsible for writing over twenty plays, though The Mormons was the only one of English’s plays to be printed. After moving to New Jersey, Thomas Dunn English wrote numerous poems, including the popular “The Ballad of Louisiana.” After spending some time in New Jersey, English became involved in politics. He was a member of the New Jersey State Legislature from 1863 to 1865. He also represented New Jersey for two congressional terms, beginning in 1891. English passed away in New Jersey in 1902; he left behind a legacy that includes over one thousand poems, which were published in a variety of magazines and periodicals. He is also remembered for his numbers songs, including “Ben Bolt,” as well as his books and other contributions to the literary world.