The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Swan, Nathaniel Walter
Swan, Nathaniel Walter, a well-known Victorian writer, was born in 1843[1] at Monaghan, Ireland, and was educated at Glasgow University. At an early age he emigrated to Australia, attracted by the fascinations of gold-digging life. He tried mining in various parts of Victoria, and then speculated in fruit and fish in Melbourne, ultimately going to Sandhurst, where he worked a "claim" with small success. Disheartened, he decided to return to Melbourne, and on his way thither on foot fell in with Henry Kingsley, with whom he spent the last few days prior to the final departure of the latter for England. Swan now took to journalism, and edited the Ararat and Pleasant Creek Advertiser, ultimately conducting the Pleasant Creek News at Stawell. In the meantime he wrote a number of stories, several of which appeared in serial form in the Sydney Mail, the Melbourne Australasian, and other leading journals. One of his best-known tales is "Luke Myver's Harvest," which won the £100 prize offered by the Sydney Mail against seventy competitors, one of whom (the second on the list) was "Ada Cambridge." In 1875 "Tales of Australian Life" appeared in London, and in 1885 were published "A Couple of Cups Ago" and other stories (Cameron, Lang & Co., Melbourne). He died on July 31st, 1884.
- ↑ Probably typographical error for the year 1834, as cited by alternate sources. (Wikisource contributor note)