James Gray (poet)
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James Gray (c. 1770 – 1830) was a Scottish educator, poet and linguist. While master of the high school of Dumfries, he became a friend of Robert Burns, later teaching his children. He later held posts at the high school of Edinburgh and the Belfast Academy. He then took orders in the Church of Ireland, serving as a chaplin for the East India Company in Kutch and serving as tutor to the young Rao or Prince of that province, Deshalji II.[1]
Gray was originally the master of the high school of Dumfries, where he became good friends with Robert Burns. From 1801 to 1822, he was master of the high school of Edinburgh. In 1822, he became Headmaster of the Belfast Academy.
Gray subsequently took orders in the Church of Ireland and in 1826 went out to India as chaplain in the East India Company's service at Bombay. He was eventually stationed at Bhuj in Kutch and was entrusted by the British government with the education of the young Rao of that province, Deshalji II, being, it is said, the first Christian who was ever honoured with such an appointment. Gray died at Bhuj on 25 March 1830.
