Robert Wallace

Robert Wallace (24 June 1831 – 6 June 1899) was a British writer who had a varied career as a classics teacher, minister, university professor, newspaper editor, barrister, and finally a Member of Parliament for Edinburgh East.

Personal life and education Wallace was born on 24 June 1831 at Kincaple near St. Andrews, Fife, and was the second son of Jasper Wallace, a gardener, and Elizabeth Archibald. He was educated at the Geddes Institution, Culross, Fife, and at the University of St. Andrews where he graduated with an M.A. in 1853.

Career Wallace was appointed classical master at Cupar Academy in 1854, shortly after graduating from university. In July 1857, he was licensed as a minister by the Presbytery of Edinburgh, and he was ordained at Newton-on-Ayr Church of Scotland in December.

Three years later, Wallace transferred to Trinity Parish Church, Edinburgh, before transferring again in December 1868, to Old Greyfriars, Edinburgh. and presumably this controversy influenced his decision to leave the clerical profession in August 1876. He was awarded the honorary doctorate of D.D. by Glasgow University in 1869. He was created Professor of Church History at Edinburgh University in 1872. At this time, he lived at 17 Gayfield Square at the top of Leith Walk.

After leaving his clerical role, Wallace was appointed editor of The Scotsman newspaper, a position he held until November 1880.

Family

On 10 March 1858 he married Margaret Robertson (died 1898) daughter of James Robertson of Cupar in Fife. They had six sons and one daughter: George Buchanan, (completed by J. Campbell Smith). Edinburgh: Oliphant, Anderson and Ferrier, 1900, ("Famous Scots Series").