John Coulson Tregarthen was a prominent Cornish field naturalist and author whose writings captured the wildlife and natural beauty of his native Cornwall. Born in Penzance in 1854, Tregarthen initially pursued a career in education. After graduating with mathematical honors from London University in 1878, he became the mathematical master at Trinity College School in Stratford-on-Avon. He eventually purchased the school, serving as its headmaster from 1885 until 1900.
During his time in Stratford-on-Avon, Tregarthen developed close friendships with prominent literary figures, including Madame Sarah Grand and Marie Corelli. In his late forties, he sold the school to Corelli and retired to Cornwall to dedicate himself fully to his naturalist interests. Corelli became his literary mentor, recommending him to her publisher, John Murray. This partnership launched Tregarthen's writing career, which focused on the fauna of the Cornish countryside, and he dedicated many of his books to Corelli in gratitude.
Tregarthen became a highly respected figure in Cornwall, often described as "the best loved Cornishman of his time." He was active in public and scientific life, serving as a county councillor, Justice of the Peace, Fellow of the Zoological Society, and President of the Royal Institution of Cornwall. In recognition of his devotion to nature, he was made a bard of Gorseth Kernow in 1928, adopting the bardic name Mylgarer, meaning "Lover of Wild Animals." He lived his final years in Newquay and passed away in 1933.
