Geddes, Sir William Duguid

Biography

Sir William Duguid Geddes was born in Huntly on 21 November, 1828. He was educated at Elgin Academy, and then at King’s College, where he graduated MA at age 17. He then went on to become the parish schoolmaster of Gamrie in 1846, and was also appointed classical master at Aberdeen Grammar School in 1848. He became rector at the grammar school in 1853. 

Geddes was elected professor of Greek at King’s College in 1855, publishing Greek Grammar in the same year. When, in 1860, the unification of Aberdeen occurred, he retained his position of Greek professor at the united universities. He is credited with invigorating and maintaining the study of Greek at Scottish universities. He then became principal and vice-chancellor of Aberdeen in 1885. 

Geddes was created L.L.D. of Edinburgh in 1876 and Litt.D. of Dublin in 1893. He was knighted in 1892. He died in Old Aberdeen on 9 February, 1900, survived by his wife, only daughter, and son-in-law (his successor as professor of Greek at Aberdeen). 

Biography Date

1828-1900

Biography References

LOC; CERL; DNB; Fasti 67, 298; University Calendar 1860-64, 5; 1886-87 1, 2; 1899-1900, 3.

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