When was banjo paterson born and died

1. Biography of Banjo Paterson
2. Early Life and Education
3. Writing Career
4. Journalism and Travels
5. Later Life and Legacy

Biography of Banjo Paterson

Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson was an Australian poet and journalist, born in 1864 near Orange, New South Wales. He was the eldest son of Scottish immigrant Andrew Bogle Paterson and his wife, Rose Isabella Barton, who was a relative of the future Australian Prime Minister, Edmund Barton.

Early Life and Education

Paterson received his initial education at home with a governess, and later attended Sydney Grammar School, where he excelled in academics and sports. At a young age, he began working as a clerk in a law firm, and by 1886, he obtained a legal education and became a lawyer.

Writing Career

Paterson published his first poems in 1885 in the Sydney edition of 'The Bulletin', where he first used the pseudonym 'Banjo', which was the name of his favorite horse. He gained recognition as a nationalist poet and in 1889, he published a strongly-worded pamphlet titled 'Australia for the Australians', expressing his disdain for cheap labor and admiration for Australian national spirit. In 1890, he wrote his famous poem 'The Man from Snowy River', and in 1895, he released a collection of his poems, which became a vivid reflection of Australian national poetry known as Bush poetry. Paterson's ballads often featured farmers, hunters, and ordinary people from rural Australia.

Journalism and Travels

In the late 1890s, Paterson worked as a war correspondent for 'The Sydney Morning Herald'. He reported from South Africa during the Boer War and later traveled to China. His experiences in South Africa allowed him to lecture across Australia, sharing his observations. Paterson also worked as an editor for 'Sydney Evening News' and 'Town and Country Journal'. During World War I, he served as a driver in France and Egypt.

Later Life and Legacy

Upon returning to Australia, Paterson devoted himself entirely to literature. He published several poetry collections, including 'Saltbush Bill JP', as well as a collection of stories titled 'Three Elephant Power and Other Stories'. He also authored two novels - 'An Outback Marriage' (1906) and 'The Shearer's Colt' (1936). In 1903, Paterson married Alice Emily Walker, and they had two children.

Banjo Paterson passed away on February 5, 1941, at the age of 76, due to a heart attack in Sydney. He is still considered one of Australia's greatest poets, with many of his poetic lines becoming iconic. Some of his most popular works include 'Waltzing Matilda', 'The Man from Snowy River', and 'Clancy of the Overflow'. Paterson's portrait is featured on the Australian ten-dollar note, and his image can also be found on an Australian postage stamp. Several educational institutions and a poetry festival award in Australia bear his name.