Strachan, John, 1778-1867

Epithet: of HMS 'Sapphire.'

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000444.0x00011a

Epithet: Captain RN

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000444.0x000118

Epithet: Archdeacon of Brechin

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000444.0x000114

John Strachan was a Scottish merchant who was a part owner of the vessels used by the Antarctic explorer James Weddell (1787-1834) during his southern voyages. He later fell on hard times and made attempts to recoup the money he had lost on the Antarctic voyages.

From the guide to the John Strachan collection, 1843, (Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge)

Born in Scotland; first Anglican Bishop of Toronto.

From the description of John Strachan letters : Toronto, to Alexander Hamilton and Rev. William Shelton, 1824, 1840. (Buffalo History Museum). WorldCat record id: 174141675

John Strachan, first bishop of Toronto, was born on 12 April 1778 to John Strachan and Elizabeth Findlayson of Aberdeen. He was educated at King's College, Aberdeen, and at St. Andrews. Strachan went to Canada in late 1799, after being invited to take charge of a new college planned at York (now Toronto). The college was never established, and Strachan found work as a private tutor. In 1803 he was ordained a minister of the Church of England. In subsequent years, he held positions as rector of York (1812), archdeacon of York (1825), and bishop of Toronto (1839). As bishop, Strachan traveled widely through his province, establishing churches and schools. In 1827 he founded the University of King's College in Toronto. The university was affiliated with the Church of England until 1850, when the provincial government took control of its endowment and made it a secular institution. In response, Strachan launched a major fundraising campaign, and went on to establish Trinity College under royal charter. Strachan married in 1807. His wife, Ann, was the daughter of Thompson Wood and the widow of Andrew McGill of Montreal. The couple had nine children. Strachan died in Toronto on 1 November 1867.

From the description of John Strachan letter, 1850. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122386073