John Edmund Harwood

John Edmund Harwood was born before November 11 1770 when records from the St Martin at Palace Church in Norwich, England show he was baptized. This record also indicates that he was the son of John and Sarah Harwood.

An actor, he came to America with Thomas Wignell's theatre company in 1793, remaining in Philadelphia until engaged by William Dunlap for the Park Theatre in New York in 1803.

William Dunlap called Mr. Harwood a man of wit and refinement and highly endowed as an actor, but indolent and careless of study. Nevertheless, he ranked among the best comedic actors of his time.

He quit the stage to run a bookstore and circulating library business however this venture failed as he read his books and neglected his business. He became increasingly over weight. Nevertheless, he returned to acting and met with success. He also published a collection of poetry in New York in 1809. He died that same year of "inflammation of the lungs" at the height of his popularity. He was 39 years old.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jun 20 2019, 5:57:19 UTC