John Shank More facts for kids
John Shank More (sometimes spelled John Schank More) was an important Scottish lawyer and professor. He was a professor of Scots Law at the University of Edinburgh from 1843 to 1861. He was also involved in the anti-slavery movement, working to end slavery. He was a vice-president of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts.
Life of John Shank More
John Shank More was born in North Shields in County Durham, England, in 1784. His father, Reverend George More, was a Presbyterian minister. Around 1805, his parents moved to Edinburgh, Scotland.
John Shank More became a lawyer in 1806. He married Mary Gillespie in 1811. They lived in Edinburgh, first on Nicolson Street and later at 19 Great King Street. This was a large Georgian house in Edinburgh's New Town.
He was known for editing important law books, like Charles Erskine's Principles and Stair's Institutions. Students thought he was very knowledgeable, even if his lectures were a bit quiet.
In 1820, he became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, which is a famous group for scientists and thinkers. Later, from 1844 to 1845, he was the President of the Royal Scottish Society of the Arts.
John Shank More passed away at his home on Great King Street in Edinburgh on July 12, 1861. He is buried with his parents and wife in the churchyard of St John's Episcopal Churchyard in Edinburgh.
His Character and Beliefs
People who knew John Shank More described him as a kind and modest person. He was known for his strong beliefs, especially against slavery.
One famous story about him shows his views on slavery. During a lecture, he said:
".... as the sun can never set on the British Dominions, so that sun can never rise upon a British slave."
This meant that because the British Empire was so large, the sun was always shining on some part of it. He believed that no part of the British Empire should ever have slaves. When he said this, his students applauded him.
Another story shows his gentle nature. During an exam, a student gave a firm "Yes" as an answer. Professor More, being very kind, gently replied, "Right, but rather 'no'." This shows he was understanding and patient with his students.
Images for kids
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A bust (sculpture) of John Shank More at the University of Edinburgh.
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John Shank More's house at 19 Great King Street, Edinburgh.
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The grave of John Shank More in St John's churchyard, Edinburgh.
