OLIVER, JOHN (1838-1866), poet;
b. 7 Nov. 1838 at White Hall, Llanfynydd, Carms., and christened 18 Nov., the fourth child of John and Sarah Oliver. He received his early education at the village school (1843-50) and in a Carmarthen school (1850-3), and then determined to prepare himself for the Independent ministry. After a successful career from 1853 to 1859 in the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen, where he developed an acquaintance with English and German literature in particular, he was compelled by ill-health to abandon his plan of proceeding to Glasgow University. Thereafter, in failing health, he preached occasionally, composed poetry, mainly in Welsh, and gave private tuition to a small number of pupils. He d. 24 June, 1866, and was buried on 28 June in Llanfynydd churchyard. His collected works were published in 1867 under the name Cerddi Cystudd by his brother, the Rev. Henry Oliver.
Bibliography:
- H. Oliver, Cerddi Cystudd (with biographical preface);
- D.N.B. (gives further references);
- O.C.C., 80;
- J.T.J., ii, 327;
- Church in Wales Records (in N.L.W.);
- N.L.W. MS. 10329 (163).
Author:
Hywel David Emanuel, M.A., (1921-70), Aberystwyth
