Author: Roalf, Stephen
Biography:
ROALF, Stephen (fl. 1806)
There is no certain identification of Captain Stephen Roalf, the author of a poem published in 1806, the full title of which is Heroic Poem on the Late Lord Viscount Nelson; Wherein are Described the Particular Battles of that Illustrious Chief. Concluding with an Interview Between Britannia and Conquest, on the Victory's Poop, who are Discovered by One of the British Crew. As no Stephen Roalf (or variant) is listed as a captain in the Royal Navy, presumably he was in the merchant marine. Besides his name and rank, the only clue to his identity is the location, Chatham, Kent, of his sales agent, Ambrose Etherington. A Stephen Roalf, possibly the poet’s father, was buried at Woodnesborough, Kent, in 1750. A Stephen Roalf, possibly the poet, died 3 Oct. 1823, age 91, and was buried at Charing, Kent. (ancestry.com 21 Feb. 2024; findmypast.com 21 Feb. 2024) JC