Alexander Morrison (headmaster)
Scottish-Australian educator, headmaster of Scotch College
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Alexander Morrison (3 February 1829 – 31 May 1903) was a Scottish-born educator who was the headmaster of the Scotch College (Melbourne) for 47 years.[1][2]
Early life and education
Morrison first taught in Scottish institutions in Moray, Scotland, and later at the Elgin Academy, King's College, and the University of Aberdeen.[2][3] He began teaching at Elgin Academy three years after graduating,[3] later becoming rector of St John's Grammar School, Hamilton for three years.[3] During this period, enrolment at the school doubled from 194 to 397.[3]
In 1855, Morrison married Christina Fraser.[3] The following year, after the resignation of the inaugural headmaster, Robert Lawson, Morrison accepted the position of headmaster at Scotch College.[3] He emigrated aboard the Essex with his wife, son, and younger brother Robert (who later became vice-principal at Scotch College from 1869 to 1904).[3] They arrived in Melbourne on 25 July 1857,[3] and Morrison began his duties the following month.[1]
Career in Australia
The University of Aberdeen conferred on Morrison the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in 1876.[4] He was the author of A First Latin Course.[1]
Legacy
Morrison had a 47-year tenure at Scotch College (from 1857 until his death in 1903).[1][2] In this period, the number of enrolled students grew significantly,[2] and in 1870, a larger proportion passed university examinations than at any previous point in the college's history.[5][6] Other masters included Weigall,[7] Alexander Sutherland,[7] and W. F. Ingram.[7]
Morrison died from heart failure on 31 May 1903 in Melbourne.[1] He was survived by four sons and three daughters.[1]