Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Grant, David
GRANT, DAVID (1823–1886), Scottish poet, born in 1823 in the parish of Upper Banchory, Kincardineshire, was educated at Aberdeen University. He became a teacher in 1852, and for some time kept a school at Elgin. In 1861 he was appointed French master in Oundle grammar school, Northamptonshire. In 1865 he became assistant master of Eccleshall College, a private school near Sheffield. Subsequently he purchased a day school in Sheffield, which proved a failure, and in 1880 he had to retire from his charge penniless. From that date till his death in 1886 he acted as a private tutor in Edinburgh. He published 'Metrical Tales' at Sheffield in 1880, and 'Lays and Legends of the North' at Edinburgh in 1884. 'A Book of Ten Songs,' with music, with a preface by Professor Blackie, appeared after his death. His poems evince a sense of humour, and he had considerable narrative power in verse.
[Edwards's Modern Scottish Poets; private information.]