John McCaul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John McCaul
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| 2nd President of the University of Toronto | |
| In office 1848–1880 |
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| Preceded by | John Strachan |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Wilson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 7, 1807 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | April 16, 1887 (aged 80) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Dublin |
John McCaul (born March 7, 1807 – died April 16, 1887) was an important educator and religious scholar from Ireland who moved to Canada. He became the second president of the University of Toronto from 1848 to 1853.
Contents
John McCaul's Early Life and Education
John McCaul was born in Dublin, Ireland. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin. There, he earned several important degrees. These included a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Laws.
Before moving to Canada, McCaul worked as a clergyman. He was part of the Church of Ireland.
Moving to Canada and Academic Career
In 1839, John McCaul moved to Toronto, Upper Canada. He became the principal of Upper Canada College. This was an important school at the time.
In 1842, he left that role. He then became the vice-president of King's College. He also taught logic, rhetoric, and classics there.
Leading the University of Toronto
In 1849, King's College changed its name. It became the University of Toronto. John McCaul was chosen to be its second president. He took over from John Strachan.
McCaul served as president until 1853. After that, he became the head of University College. This college is a key part of the University of Toronto.
McCaul and the Trent Affair
In 1862, a big event happened called the Trent Affair. It was a disagreement between the United States and Great Britain. During this time, William Mulock asked John McCaul for help.
McCaul was the head of University College. He called a meeting for the students. This meeting led to the creation of a group of student volunteers. They later became K Company of the Queen's Own Rifles. This shows how students helped during a time of tension.
Other Interests and Legacy
John McCaul was also very interested in music. He was the president of the Toronto Philharmonic Society. This was from 1845 to 1847.
In 1846, he was chosen to be a member of the American Antiquarian Society. This is a group that studies American history and culture.
Today, you can still find McCaul's name in Toronto. McCaul Street in downtown Toronto is named after him. There was also a pond called McCaul's Pond. It used to be near today's Hart House (University of Toronto). The pond was fed by water from Taddle Creek.
