1830–1906
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Plot X Lot 12
Alexander Muir was a Scottish-born Canadian poet, songwriter, soldier and educator whose work became a symbol of national pride. Born in Lesmahagow, Scotland, Muir immigrated to Canada in 1833 and grew up in Scarborough Township. He graduated from Queen’s College in 1851 after which he began a lifelong career in education, serving as a teacher and principal in Scarborough, Leslieville, Newmarket and Toronto. From 1888 until his death, he was principal of Gladstone Avenue School, later renamed in his honour.
Muir is best remembered for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever” in October 1867, written in celebration of the Confederation of Canada. The song quickly became a patriotic anthem, sung at public events and schools across the country. Its first public performance took place in Newmarket in 1874 during a cornerstone-laying ceremony attended by the Governor General, Lord Dufferin.
Beyond music, Muir served with the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada during the Fenian Raids of 1866, fighting in the Battle of Ridgeway where he was wounded. After the battle he resumed his teaching work, continuing his dedication to education, athletics and patriotism that would shape generations of Toronto students.
Alexander Muir died on June 26, 1906, in Toronto. His grave remains a site of tribute, and nearby, the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens honour his legacy with inscriptions of his famous refrain: “The Maple Leaf Forever.”
Sources:
• Wikipedia – Alexander Muir
• Dictionary of Canadian Biography – Alexander Muir
• The Canadian Encyclopedia – Alexander Muir
• Mount Pleasant Group – Alexander Muir
• Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens – Wikipedia
Photos:
• Young head shot - Special Collections Toronto Public Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
• Old head shot - Library and Archives Canada under the reproduction reference number PA-030217 and under the MIKAN ID number 3192022, Public domain
• Group shot - Queen's Own Rifles Museum, attribution, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
