William MacPherson, 1812-1893

This collection relates to the family of Dr Hugh MacPherson (1767 - 1854), professor of Greek Literature and sub-principal of King's College, Aberdeen, 1817 - 1854. His second wife, Christina Macleod, whom he married in 1809, was the daughter of Roderick Macleod of Talisker, Principal of King's College, 1800 - 1815, and together they had 13 children. Their elder sons, William (1812 - 1893), John (1817 - 1890), Hugh (1820 - 1902) and Roderick (1824 - 1900) studied in Aberdeen, London and Germany, before settling abroad. William (1812 - 1893), barrister, moved to India c 1846 and in 1848 was appointed to the Supreme Court of Calcutta. He married his cousin Diana Macleod Johnston, in Calcutta, c 1854. Their second son, John (1817 - 1890), MRCS, worked for the East India Company in Bengal, 1839 - 1864, where he rose to the position of Inspector-General of Hospitals. Hugh (1820 - 1902) and Roderick (1824 - 1900) followed John to India, c 1842 - 1843. The main family home during this period was in Old Aberdeen, but after Hugh MacPherson's (1767 - 1854) death, in 1854, his widow and younger children moved to Edinburgh.

Further details on the family are contained in typescript notes deposited with the collection. See also Officers and Graduates of University and King's College, Aberdeen, 1495 - 1860 ed. by Peter John Anderson, MA, LLB, (Aberdeen: New Spalding Club, 1893), pp 43 - 44.