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MAARTENS, Maarten (1858-1915) Anglo-Dutch novelist. He published in both Dutch and English several novels, including God's Fool, 1892, The Greater Glory, 1894; and Harmen Pols, Peasant, 1910. They are studies of Dutch peasant and middle class life.
MABUSE, Jan Gossart De (c.1472-1532). Flemish painter. He was admitted as a master into an Antwerp guild in 1503 His patron was Philip of Burgundy. He was commissioned to paint Eleanor, the sister of the emperor Charles V in 1516. When his patron died in 1524 he took service with the marquis of Veere. He designed Isabella of Austria's tomb at Ghent. Some of his most famous paintings are Adoration of the Magi, Adam and Eve, and portraits of Philip the Fair and Joanna of Castile.
McADAM, John Loudon (1756-1836). Scottish engineer. After experimenting with the making of roads he came to the conclusion that they should be constructed of successive layers of granite or greenstone, broken into small lumps. The method he invented was generally adopted and became known as macadamising. He received money from Parliament and was appointed surveyor-general of metropolitan roads in 1827.
MACALISTER, Sir Donald (1854-1934). Scottish scientist. He was fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, president of the general medical council, an official of many other learned societies, and the holder of several professorships, principal and vice-chancellor of glasgow University, 1907-29, and author of an English edition of Ziegler's Pathological Anatomy, 1883. He was made a baronet in 1924.
McALL, Raobert Whitaker (1821-93). British divine. In 1872 started mission work at Belleville, a suburb of Paris, which developed into the McAll mission and became the Mission Populaire Evengelique de France, with stations in France, Algeria and Corsica.
MACARA, Sir Charles Wright (1845-1929). British manufacturer. As chairman of the Manchester master cotton-spinners' association he was largely responsible for the Brooklands agreement of 1893, which ended a prolonged strike and provided effecctive machinery for settling future disputes by negotiation. He started the Lifeboat Saturday movement in 1891 and was made a baronet in 1911.
MacARDELL, James (1710-1765). Irish engraver. He achieved fame in London as a mezzotint engraver. One of his best plates was Garrick and Mrs. Cibber in Venice Preserved. He made many engravings from pictures of the celebrities of his day, including Reynolds, Gainsborough, Lely and Zoffany.
MacARTHUR, Mary (1880-1921). Scottish social worker. She organised shop assistants, was secretary of the Women's Trade Union League, and formed the National Federation of Women workers. She successfully championed the cause of women chain workers, hollow-ware workers, brickmakers, and lace finishers. She maried in 1911 W.C. Anderson, a prominent member of the Labour Party.
MACARTNEY, George Macartney, 1st Earl (1737-1806). British diplomatist and administrator. He successfully concluded a commercial treaty with Russia in 1764, was chief secretary for Ireland, 1769-72, then governor of the Caribee Islands and of Madras, created an earl in 1792, first British ambassador to Peking, then governor of Cape Colony in 1796.
MACARTNEY, Sir Mervyn Edmund (1853-1932). British architect. Appointed surveyor to the dean and chapter of St. Paul's in1906-1930. He completed the preservation of the cathedral in 1930 and was also responsible for the Lord Kitchener memorial in the cathedral.
MACAULAY, Thomas Babington. (1800-1859) Historian and literary dictator. Entered Trinity College, Cambridge, 1818, receiving a fellowship at Trinity in 1824. Became the chief support of his family aged 25. He attracted attention with his first public speech at an anti-slavery meeting and for the publicationof an essay on Milton in the Edinburgh Review in 1825. He was associated with this Whig journal for over 20 years. Called to the bar in 1826 but never practised. Literature interested him more. At the same time he was interested in politics and entered parliament in 1830 establishing a reputation as an orator. In 1833 elected M.P. for Leeds, 1834 accepted the position of legal adviser to the supreme council of India. On his advice as chairman of the committee of public instruction European literature and science were made the basis of higher education in India. He also helped draw up the new penal code. He wrote essays on Clive and Warren Hastings, and Lays of Ancient Rome 1842. In 1848 Ivry and The Armada were published. In 1839 elected M.P. for Edinburgh, eventually becoming first secretary of state for war, then paymaster general of the forces. In 1848 published the first 2 volumes of his history of England, in 1855 the 3rd and 4th volumes appeared, and the 5th was published posthumously in 1861. Rejected by Edinburgh in 1847 he was re-elected in 1852, becoming a peer in 1857. He made little mark in England as a politician but brought western ideas to India.
MACAULAY, Zachary (1768-1838) Scottish philanthropist. At age 17 he travelled to Jamaica where he worked on a sugar plantation eventually becoming manager. On his return to England he joined the circle of those who were trying to suppress the slave trade.As governor of Sierra Leone in 1796-1799 he did much to remedy the appalling conditions , restoring the colony to peace and a measure of prosperity. He was secretary to the Sierra Leone company until 1808. He was one of the founders of the anti-slavery society in 1823.
MACBETH (d.1057. King of Scotland. Nephew of Malcom II and ruler of Moray, he became King Duncan's commander-in-chief, but slew Duncan in 1040, replacing him on the throne. He was defeated by Siward, earl of Northumbria in 1054. In 1057 he was slain at Lumphanan, August 15, by Duncan's son Malcolm III, called Canmore. His life was the basis of Shakespeare's play of the same name.
MACCABEES. Famous Jewish family. In the late 2nd century B.C. they overthrew the Syro-Hellenic rulers and established a race of priest-kings. Mattathias was an aged priest, who, when ordered to offer sacrifice to the pagin deities at Modin, near Jerusalem, killed the Syrian commissioner, and fled to the mountains with his 5 sons - John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar and Jonathan. They successfully led a revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes who had planned to wipe out Jewish religion and customs. The old man was succeeded by his son Judas, the greatest of the Maccabaeus as the brothers were called. The last descendant Mariamne, married Herod, thus passing the rule to the Idumaean line of the Herodians.
McCARDIE, Sir Henry Alfred (1869-1933). British lawyer. He became a high court jude in 1916 without having taken silk. In criminal cases he was both understanding and humane. His examination and comments upon the sociological implications of the cases which came before him aroused public interest. He drew attention to narrow prejudices and antiquated provisions of the English legal system, and gave assistance to many reforming movements. He commited suicide after a severe attack of influenza.
McCARTHY, Justin (1830-1912) Irish writer. He joined the staff of the Northern Daily Post in 1853 and in 1860 became a political reporter for the Morning Star, becoming foreign editor in 1861 and editor from 1864-68. Entered parliament in 1872 until 1900. Chairman of the Irish Parliamentary party 1890-96. He advocated home rule for Ireland. His best known literary works were The Four Georges and William IV, 1884-1901, the Reign of Queen Anne, 1902, and A History of Our Own Times, 1905, Life of Gladstone, 1898. He also wrote a number of novels and published his Reminiscences in 1899.
McCLELLAN, George Brinton (12826-85) American soldier. On the outbreak of the civil war he was made major-general. He beat the Confederates at Philippi in June, and after the first defeat of Bull Run he was summoned to Washington and made commander-in-chief of the Federal armies 1861. 1861-62 he organised the army of the Potomac, but his plan for the spring campaign did not meet with approval. After carrying it out he was relieved of the supreme command. After reinstatement he defeated Lee at the battle of the Antietam, but President Lincoln felt his pursuit lacking in vigour and demanded his resignation. He was an unsuccessful candidate at the presidential election of 1864, putting forward the policy of negotiating with the Confederates.
McCLINTOCK, Sir Francis Leopold (1819-1907) British explorer. He was first lieutenant of the assistance sent in 1850 for the relief of Sir John Franklin. Promoted commander on his return. In 1852 he commanded the Intrepid in Sir Edward Belcher's Arctic expedition; 1857 given command of the Fox, fitted out by Lady Franklin and sailed on another expedition in search of Sir John, discovering proofs of his death in the north-west of King William's Land. Became admiral in 1884 and was knighted in 1891.
McCLURE, Sir John David (1860-1922). Broitish educationist. He was appointed headmaster of Mill Hill School, which he brought into the front rank among public schools. Knighted in 1913.
McCLURE, Sir Robert John Le Mesurier (1807-73) British explorer. He commanded the Investigator in 1850 on an Arctic voyage undertaken by way of Bering Strait. He explored Banks Land, spent two years, 1851-53, on the ice, and after many adventures returned to England in 1854. He found a way through the North-West passage. For this achievement he was knighted and was voted 10,000 pounds by the House of Commons. He retired as vice-admiral in 1873.
McCULLOCH, John Ramsay (1780-1864). British economist. He became associated with The Scotsman in 1817. He was professor of political economy in the university of London, 1828-32, and comptroller of the stationery office, 1838-64. His books include Principles of Political Economy, 1820; Literature of Political Economy, 1845; and editions of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, 1828, and Ricardo's Works, 1846.
McCUNN, Hamish (1808-1916). British composer. He became professor of harmony at the royal Academy of Music, 1888-94. His overture, Land of the Mountain and the Flood, 1887, the cantatas Lord Ullin's Daughter and the Lay of the Last Minstrel, and the operas Jeanie Deans and diarmid were his chief works.
MACDONAGH, Michael (1860-1924). Irish author. He entered journalism and was special correspondent of the Freeman's Journal, Dublin for 8 years.He joined The Times Parliamentary and reporting staff, 1894. His books deal largely with Parliamentary procedure and history. He also wrote a Life of William O'BNrien and many sketches of Irish life and culture.
MACDONALD. Oldest of the Scottish clans. It is said to be of Pictish origin and to have been founded by a descendant of Somerled of the Isles, who became powerful as thane of Argyll in the 12th century. By his marriage to a daughter of Olave the Swarthy, king of Man and the Isles he added the heritage of the last named to his own possessions. He was slain in battle at Renfrew in 1164, and left 4 sons.
MACDONALD, Sir Claude Maxwell, [1852-1915]. British soldier. In 1882 and 1884 he was military attache in Cairo and saw fighting. In 1887 he was acting agent and consul-general at Zanzibar, and was appointed commissioner in Southern Nigeria in 1891. In 1896 he was sent to Peking as ambassador, and in the Boxer rising and the siege of the legations,1900, commanded the defense. For this he received the K.C.B. ambassador at Tokyo 1901-12.
MACDONALD, Flora (1722) Jacobite heroine. In 1746 she was largely responsible for the escape of Prince Charles Edward after Culloden. Arrested and sent to London, she was detained but kindly treated. When released under the Act of Indemnity in 1747, she was presented with 1,500 pounds by her admirers. In 1750 she married Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh, and accompanied him on service in the American war of independence.
MACDONALD, George (1824-1905). Scottish novelist. He entered the Church, but retired from his ministry in 1853 and devoted hiumself to literature. He lectured on poetry in America and Italy and edited Good Words for the Young, 1870-72. His best known poem was, Where did you come from Baby dear? His children's books included The Princess and the Goblins, 1872, and his mystical novels, David Elginbrod, 1862. Alec Forbes of Howglen, 1865, is a good example of Scottish life in the 19th century.
MACDONALD, Sir Hector Archibald (1853-1903). Scottish soldier. He enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders, and served in the Afghan war of 1879-80, when his bravery won for him a commission. He then served for some years in Egypt, and commanded the Egyptian brigade at the battle of Omdurman. In 1859 he went from India to command the Highland brigade, after its disaster at Magersfontein, and he remained in South Africa until sent to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1902. He shot himself in Paris.
MACDONALD Jacques Etienne Joseph Alexandre (1765-1840). French soldier. He was a member of an exiled Jacobite family, joining the revolutionary army and in 1797 was made governor of Rome. He later served in Switzerland and in 1809 was given a command in Italy. For his considerable share in the victory of Wagram he was made a marshal, and created duke of Taranto. He served in Spain, was very prominent in Napoleon's concluding battles but in 1814 went over to the Bourbons.
MACDONALD, Sir John Alexander (1815-91). Canadian statesman. He went as a child to Canada, where he was called to the bar in 1836. In 1844 he became a member of the legislature of Upper Canada, and was attorney-general 1854-57, and premier of the province 1857-67. Macdonald did much to promote federation of the various provinces, and when in 1867 the federation was accomplished, Macdonald was knighted and became the first prime minister of the new union. As the leader of the conservative party he held office until 1874, and he was again prime minister from 1878 until his death. He was also influential in promoting the building of the Canadian Pacific railway.
MACDONELL, Alestair (c. 1725-61). Scottish Jacobite. The thirteenth chief of Glengarry, he became an officer in the Royal Scots Regiment, then in the service of France. He was captured at sea while bringing assistance to Prince Charles Edward in 1745. After his release he appears to have acted as a spy upon the prince, and betrayed many Jacobites but was never suspected. He signed his dispatches to the English government with the sobriquet of "Pickle," a name which Andrew Lang made familiar by his book, Pickle the Spy. He succeeded to the Macdonell estates in 1754.
MACDONELL, Arthur Anthony ( 1854-1930). English scholar. He was educated at Gottingen and Oxford, where he was Tay lorian teacher of German, 1888-89, deputy professor of Sanskrit, 1901-02. He was appointed Stephanos Nirmalendu Ghosh lecturer on comparative religion at Calcutta in 1922. In numerous publications which include a History of Sanskrit Literature, 1900, and a Vedic Grammar, 1916, he displayed a profound knowledge of Vedic mythology and Sanskrit literature.
MACDONELL, James (1842-79). Scottish journalist. He entered journalism in Aberdeen. He was a member of the Daily Telegraph staff, 1865-75, serving as special correspondent in France, 1870-71; and was a leader-writer on The Times, 1875-79, making a special study of constitutional problems and French politics. His valuable but unfinished sketch of contemporary French politics, France Since the First Empire, was edited by his widow and published 1879.
MACDONNELL, Sir John (1846-1921). British jurist. He was called to the bar in 1873 and thereafter steadily established his reputation as a high legal authority. He held many public appointments and was Quain professor of comparative law in London University 1901-20. A member of numerous commissions and the editor of several legal papers. His publications, besides numerous articles, include The Law of Master and Servant.
MACDONNELL, Sorley Boy (c.1505-1590). Irish chieftain. Son of the lord of Blay and Kintyre, he engaged in fierce rivalry with Shane O'Neill, his great rival in Ulster, by whom he was captured in 1565. He later, with the assistance of followers from the Scottish islands, re-established his supremacy, O'Neill being murdered. He extracted from the English large grants of land and was made constable of Dunluce Castle.
MacDOWELL, Edward Alexander (1861-1908). American composer. He studied piano playing in Europe, and obtained a teaching appointment in Darmstadt Conservatory, where Liszt helped to introduce him to public favour in Germany. Returning to the USA in 1888 he settled in Boston. He was elected in 1896 to the chair of music at Columbia University, but resigned in 1904, and died 1908. His compositions include the Indian suite, several orchestral symphonic poems, songs and choruses, and an enormous number of highly popular piano pieces.
MACDUFF. Thane of Fife. a semi legendary figure of 11th century, he is mentioned by early Scottish historians as having conspired with Malcolm Canmore to overthrow the usurper Macbeth, from whom he fled to England. His castle was destroyed, but the tale that his wife and children were massacred has no foundation in fact, although it was utilized by Shakespeare in Macbeth. By his aid Malcolm defeated Macbeth at Lumphanan in 1057.
MACE, Jem (1831-1910) British pugilist. he acquired fame by beating Bob Brettle, 1860, and then the holder of the championship, Sam Hurst, June 18, 1861. As champion of the Ring, a title he held intermittently until his retirement in 1871, he won one contest, and lost another with Tom King, 1862, and twice defeated Joe Goss.
MACEDO, Jose Agostinho De (1761-1831). Portuguese writer. He became in spite of deeds, which caused him to be unfrocked and imprisoned, the most popular preacher of his time and country, and published a large number of political pamphlets and satirical poems, which earned him great notoriety. His chief works however, were the didactic poem, the first written in Portuguese, Meditation, 1813; an epic, Oriente, 1814; and love-lyrics Lyra Anacreontica.
MACEDONIUS. Christian prelate. Arian Bishop of Constantinople from 341-360, he was successor of Eusebius and was a violent persecutor of the Orthodox. After his deposition by the Council of Constantinople, 360, he founded the sect called Macedonians or Pneumatomachi. Another Macedonius was bishop of Constantinople, being deposed in 513 for his opposition to Severus.
MACERONI, Francis (1787-1846). Anglo Italian soldier and inventor. Born of Italian and English parents he went to Italy in 1803, and entering the Neapolitan army, became in 1814 aide-de-camp to Murat, king of Naples. Settling in England on Murat's fall, he invented a steam road car, which plied between London and Brighton in 1834, and propounded plans for asphalt paving and street lighting.
McEVOY, Ambrose (1878-1927) British painter. He attracted attention for his genre subjects and landscapes. He began portraiture in 1915. He was elected A.R.A. in 1924.
MACFARREN Sir George Alexander (1813-87) British composer. In 1837 he became professor of harmony and in 1875 principle of the Royal Academy of Music. He was conductor at Covent Garden, 1845-75, and was appointed professor of music at Cambridge in 1875. His many operas and cantatas include The Devil's Opera, 1838; Don Quixote, 1846; and the oratorios The Resurrection, 1876, and King David, 1883; but he is best known for his overture, Chevy Chase, 1836. He was knighted in 1883.
McGEE, Thomas D'Arcy (1825-68) Irish Canadian politician. He went to America in 1842 and became a journalist, coming to England as correspondent of American newspapers. His activities on behalf of the Young Ireland movement forced him in 1848 to fly in disguise to America, whence after nine years in journalism he removed to Canada, entering Parliament as member for Montréal in 1858. His moderate views made him the target for many extremist attacks, and on April 7, 1868, he was assassinated by a Fenian. He had been Minister of agriculture since 1864. He was a prolific writer, his books including historical, literary, biographical and political works and poems.
McGILL, James (1744-1813). Canadian philanthropist. He early emigrated to Canada from Scotland, where he acquired a large fortune in the fur trade in the Northwest. Settling at Montréal, he took a leading part in the city's affairs, and at his death left 40,000 pounds for the college there that bears his name. The McGill University, founded in 1821, comprises the original McGill college and several others.