Dyer John

Dyer, John (1700-1758), poet, was born in Caermarthenshire, and educated at Westminster. He at first adopted his father's profession - that of the law - but abandoned it, and wandered in Scotland, Wales, and England, enjoying the country scenery. In 1727 he wrote Grongar Hill, a poem marked by simplicity and an appreciation of scenery. He then went to Italy, and published in 1740 Ruins of Rome. In 1757 he published The Fleece. He died a Lincolnshire vicar. - Dyer, Thomas Henry (1804-1888), archeeoiogist and historian, was born in London. He went to the West Indies, and was for a time employed in trade, which he afterwards abandoned for literature. He travelled much, giving special attention to topography. He Wrote histories of Modern Europe, The City of Rome, The Kinys of Rome, and Pompeii. He also wrote upon ancient Athens, and provided many articles for Dr. Smith's dictionaries.