Author: Elton, Charles Abraham
Biography:
ELTON, Charles Abraham (1778-1853: ODNB)
Poet, translator, and theologian, he was born at Bristol to the Rev Sir Abraham Elton of Clevedon Court and Elizabeth (Durbin) Elton. Both parents were from prominent mercantile families. He attended Eton before becoming a commissioned officer in the 48th Regiment of Foot (he was later a colonel in the Somerset militia). In 1804 he married Sarah Smith (1782-1830); they had five sons and eight daughters. Their two eldest sons drowned in 1819 and Elton’s “The Brothers, a Monody” laments their deaths. His translations of Greek and Latin verse, collected as Specimens of the Classic Poets, was critically acclaimed. Elton’s shifting religious views attracted controversy; he joined the Unitarians but later distanced himself from some of their beliefs. His wife’s death in 1830 marked the end of his publishing career. He succeeded to the baronetcy in 1842, and he died at Bath. (ODNB 18 Nov 2018)
Other Names:
- Charles A. Elton