DOUGLAS WILLIAM JERROLD, author of Mrs. Caudle’s immortal “Curtain Lectures,” was born in London, January 3d, 1803. He was the eldest son of an actor, Samuel Jerrold, who introduced him to stage life at a very early age. Not fancying the stage, he left it at the age of sixteen and entered the navy as a midshipman. After two years’ service, he returned to London and began his literary career as apprentice to a printer, working in the shop and using his leisure to write contributions for the magazines. In 1829 “Black-Eyed Susan,” his first successful play, was produced, and several years later he attempted the management of the Strand Theatre. Not succeeding, he returned to writing for the magazines, and in 1841, when Punch appeared, he became one of its favorite contributors. His articles signed “Q.” continued to appear in it, until his death, June 8th, 1857. He wrote a large number of plays as well as essays, sketches, and stories. Next to “Mrs. Caudle’s Curtain Lectures,” his “Story of a Feather” is the most widely circulated of his works.