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MacIntyre, Thomas
Macfarlane, M.A., LL.B., Brantford, Principal of the Ladies' College, is a
Canadian by birth, but his parents came to this country from Argyleshire,
Scotland. His mother was Margaret, nee Carswell, and his maternal
grandmother was a Macfarlane. The subject of this sketch was born in the
year 1841, in the township of Oxford, County of Kent, and having obtained
a good education in the village school, he prepared himself for the
profession of teaching. His first school was at Port Glasgow, in the
County of Elgin; and his second was the village school at Duart. He
continued his studies in the Grammer School at Wardsville, which was under
the headmastership of the Rev. D. J. Macdonnell, B.D. In 1864 he entered
the Belleville Seminary, then affiliated with the Toronto University, with
the view of taking the University course. He passed his second year in the
University in 1866, and in the following year, Albert College having
obtained university powers, he became a charter graduate in arts of the
institution. It was his intention to prosecute still further his
mathematical studies, which were his favourite pursuits at that time, but
was offered the position of adjunct professor in mathematics in the
college, which position he accepted. In addition to the work of the
mathematical department, Professor Macintyre devoted himself closely to
the study of modern languages and history, and the latter department was
placed under his charge during the third year of his professorship. In
1870 he received the appointment of headmaster of the Bowmanville High
School, and in 1872 that of the Ingersoll High School. His religious
training was obtained in a strict Presbyterian home. He was largely
influenced by the godly life of a most intelligent pious and devoted
mother, who is still living. For many years Mr. Macintyre had a view to
the ministry, and in 1878 was making arrangements to take a theological
course, when he was called to fill the important position of principal of
the Presbyterian Ladies' College in Brantford, Ontario, which position he
still holds. In this year he obtained his degree of LL.B. Under his wise
administration, this institution has become favourably known for its
elevated standard, and the thoroughness of its achievements in the higher
education of women. When the Toronto University made provision for the
holding of local examinations for women, this college at once availed
itself of the advantages afforded. The principal has taken a deep interest
in all the educational questions of the day, and has been a strong
advocate of a provincial university, with federated colleges, combining
and preserving both state and denominational interests. As a teacher he
stands deservedly high. Professor Macintyre is one of the few successful
men who have remained in the profession, and have risen to occupy the
prominent places available to talent in the profession. He is in the
strictest sense a student. Whilst he has devoted much attention to
philosophical subjects, his systematic reading, since 1868, has been in
the department of history and early English. His method of teaching
history is essentially the topical, giving special prominence to dramatic
unity. He has one of the best selected historical libraries in the
country. In 1883 he visited Great Britain and the continent, having in
view the places of historic interest. As a public lecturer, Principal
Macintyre has gained a high reputation. His lectures on Lord Nelson,
Culloden, Cromwell, Imperial Federation, the Moor in Spain, and others,
give evidence of his grasp of historical subjects, and his power to give a
vivid setting to the thoughts and actions that have influenced men and
nations. He was married in 1870 to the second daughter of the late Robert
Walker, of East Whitby. Robert Walker was one of the early settlers in
Whitby, well know and highly esteemed. In politics he was a staunch
Liberal, and frequently urged to become the peoples' representative in
parliament, but resolutely refused to enter into political life. There are
now living many who can remember the valuable services which, in his day,
he ably rendered. He died in 1870 at the early age of 56. Principal
Macintyre, is in the prime of life, is an earnest student, and is blessed
with a sound constitution, and has prospects before him of increased
usefulness, and of attaining still higher distiction in his chosen
department of work. |
