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Stirling, John, 1666-1727, Principal, University of Glasgow, Scotland |
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Biographical Information |
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Occupation, Sphere of Activity |
John Stirling ( 1666-1727), Principal of the University of Glasgow, had previously been minister at Inchinnan. He was the minister at Greenock, when in 1701, he was appointed Principal at Glasgow. The University's Rector, Sir John Maxwell, had recommended him. During Stirling's time as Principal, there was a considerable amount of conflict and unrest, and the University was plagued by financial problems. Stirling's colleagues tired of the style of his administration, and both the masters and students felt that their rights were seriously threatened. The masters complained that, without consulting them, he carried out important business regarding loans, investments, payment of accounts, and orders to tradesmen for carrying out work. It was also alleged that considerable sums were spent on both the Principal's and Professor of divinity's houses, without the consent of the other masters, and that Stirling travelled on College business without first obtaining instructions from the faculty. Perhaps the most serious complaint was that Stirling had several times vetoed what the majority of the Senate had decided, something that was considered both unreasonable and unwarranted in the constitution or traditions of the University. Stirling had his supporters, including the dean of faculty, and a few of the masters. However most of the Professors opposed him, citing the irregularities of his administration. The bad feeling came to a head over the issue of rectorial elections, with both sides championing their own candidates, and accusing each other of wrongful practices. The issue was only settled with Commissions of Visitation in 1717 and 1718, which set out new statutes for the government of the University. Despite these difficulties the development of the University continued, with the teaching staff doubling in his time. Stirling died in September 1727, at the age of 61. Over half a century after his death, the conduct of Stirling's administration again became a matter of controversy, this time in a dispute between the Principal, William Leechman and John Anderson, the Professor of Natural Philosophy. A London minister contributed an article to Gentleman's Magazine on the conduct and administration of Stirling and accusing him of embezzling College money. The article cited the Commission of 1727, which stated that the University's accounts were in such disorder that its financial state could not be properly calculated. Leechman was instructed by the faculty to send a vindication of Stirling to London. Despite the opposition of Anderson, who argued for Stirling's guilt, the vindication was published in a subsequent issue of the magazine. |
Relationships |
Stirling had a long friendship with the Church historian, Robert Woodrow, and for seventeen years they regularly rode together to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh, to attend meetings of the General Assembly and Commissions of Assembly. |
Other Significant Information |
None |
Honours, Qualifications and Appointments |
1701-1727: Principal, University of Glasgow |
Notes |
List of sources for the biographical information: |
Rules or Conventions |
Authority record created according to the |
Author and Date of Biographical History |
Personal name authority record compiled for the GASHE project by |