A Compendium of Irish Biography/Bickerstaff, Isaac

by Alfred Webb

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Bickerstaff, Isaac, was born in Ireland about the year 1735. He was one of the pages of Lord Chesterfield when Lord-Lieutenant. He afterwards became an officer in the marines, in which service he continued until forced to quit under very discreditable circumstances. He is known as the author of Love in a Village, Maid of the Mill, and about twenty other light comedies and musical pieces, produced under Garrick's management—of which some yet retain possession of the stage. Charles Dibdin composed the music to many of these pieces. His last was produced in 1787. Bickerstaff died abroad in old age and reduced circumstances. His "pieces present a combination of excellencies seldom found in conjunction." ^{[1](1) [2] [3](45)}

Authorities

1. Anthologia Hibernica. 4 vols. Dublin, 1793–'4.
2. Authors, Dictionary of British and American: S. Austin Allibone. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1869–'71.
3. Dublin University Magazine. Dublin, 1833–'77.