Klyaopas Urgelionis
Lithuania- Early Life and Education
- Revolutionary Activism and Exile
- Emigration to the United States
- Literary and Theater Career
- Translations and Influence
- Later Years
Early Life and Education
Kleopas Jurgelionis was born on January 1, 1886, in the Lithuanian hamlet of Virbalishkis. In 1896, his family relocated to Saint Petersburg, where he attended progymnasium and became involved in Lithuanian cultural activities.
Revolutionary Activism and Exile
Jurgelionis's involvement in the 1905-1907 revolution led to his imprisonment in Saint Petersburg, Vilnius, and Shavli. After escaping from custody, he fled to Scotland via Saint Petersburg and Paris. In Scotland, he edited the Lithuanian newspaper "Rankpelnys" and became a student at Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
Emigration to the United States
In 1909, Jurgelionis emigrated to the United States, where he initially worked in a printing press and a newspaper office. After the First World War, he distanced himself from revolutionary activities and enrolled at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1919. He practiced law and engaged in journalism.
Literary and Theater Career
Jurgelionis contributed to numerous Lithuanian newspapers and journals both in Lithuania and abroad. He wrote under various pseudonyms, including "Kalėdų Kaukė." He published a collection of poems entitled "Glėdi-liūdi" (1916) and wrote a verse drama "Uždraustas geismas" (1917). Additionally, he penned the radio serial "Makalų šeimyna" (1930-1940) and conducted research on the Lithuanian poet Antanas Venclova.
Translations and Influence
Jurgelionis translated works by renowned authors such as Rudyard Kipling, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Adam Mickiewicz, Rabindranath Tagore, Omar Khayyam, and William Shakespeare's "Macbeth." His poetry and translations had a significant impact on Lithuanian literature.
Later Years
From 1938 to 1941, Jurgelionis served as editor of the newspaper "Tėvynė." He also participated in Lithuanian amateur theater productions as both an actor and director. Jurgelionis died on December 24, 1963, in Riverside, California.
