John Laurence Rentoul

John Laurence Rentoul (6 July 1845 – 15 April 1926), was a member of the Presbyterian clergy and a poet.

Early life John Laurence Rentoul was born in Garvagh, County Londonderry, Ireland, fourth son of the Reverend James Buchan Rentoul, D.D. and his wife Sarah, née Wilson. He was baptised on 10 August 1845 in his father’s church (now known as Main Street Presbyterian), Garvagh as the Baptismal register records. He studied English literature, history and economic science at Queen's College, Belfast, graduating with a B.A. in 1867 and M.A. in 1868. He also did some post-graduate work at Leipzig, Germany 1878-79 en route to Australia.

Career

Caricature of 'Fighting Larry Rentoul' by Will Dyson, The Bulletin, 22 August 1907.

Rentoul was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church of England in 1872