Addison, Joseph, born in 1672. Passed from Chaterhouse school of Queen's College, Oxford, and graduated at Magdalene College in 1693. He spent four years traveling on the Continent, returning in 1703 and, in 1704, "The Campaign," a poem celebrating the victory of Blenheim, brought him into favor. In 1709 he was sent to Ireland as secretary to the Lord Lieutenant. He contributed largely to the "Tatler" and "Spectator" from their commencement, and wrote 274 numbers for the latter. In 1713 he brought his tragedy of "Cato" before the public, and at Drury Lane it proved an unprecedented success. In 1716 he married the Countess Dowager of Warwick, and the following year was appointed secretary of state. Died at Holland House in 1719.

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