John Martin Crawford
Physician, scholar, translated Kalevala into English
About John Martin Crawford
Lived 1845 – 1916 (aged 70–71). John Martin Crawford was an American linguist and translator.
John Martin Crawford (October 18, 1845 – 1916) was an American physician and scholar who translated the Finnish epic Kalevala into English based on a previous German translation by Franz Anton Schiefner published in 1852, to be published for the first time in 1888.
Biography
Crawford was born in Herrick, Pennsylvania, and taught public school for three years prior to attending college. He enrolled in Lafayette College in 1867 and graduated in 1871. It was there he was inspired by Professor Thomas Conrad Porter to translate the Kalevala. In 1872 Crawford returned to teaching Math and Latin at the Chickering Institute in Ohio. During this time he studied medicine, receiving three degrees from schools in Cincinnati.
In June 1889, Crawford was appointed by President Benjamin Harrison as consul-general of the United States to Russia.
He also translated the five volume series "Industries of Russia" published in 1893 for World's Columbian Exposition.
Published works
, e-text via www.gutenberg.org , e-text via www.gutenberg.org
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Martin Crawford?
physician, scholar, translated Kalevala into English (1845-1916)
When was John Martin Crawford born?
John Martin Crawford was born in 1845.
When did John Martin Crawford die?
John Martin Crawford died in 1916.
What was John Martin Crawford's occupation?
John Martin Crawford was a linguist and translator.
What nationality was John Martin Crawford?
John Martin Crawford was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: John Martin Crawford
· DBpedia: John Martin Crawford (scholar)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Martin Crawford. https://biography.guide/john-martin-crawford-linguist/
MLA: "John Martin Crawford." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-martin-crawford-linguist/.
Chicago: "John Martin Crawford." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-martin-crawford-linguist/.
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