"David H. Paton, L.L.D., a distinguished old pupil of the Madras
College, died in London on the 25th April last. Dr. Paton's father, a
foreman mason, lost his life in an accident at the building of the
College. Dr. Bell's Trustees, naturally, interested themselves in the
family which had lost its head in their service, and provided for the
education of the children.
David distinguished himself in his classes, and at the University was the
first Classic of his day. He assisted Dr. Woodford, then Classical Master
of Madras College. After filling posts at Banff and Stirling, he joined
the staff of the Glasgow High School as second Classical Master.
Afterwards, he became First Classical Master, and eventually, in 1879,
Rector of the School. This post he held till 19O1, when he retired and
went to live in London.
Among other works he published an Epitome of Livy after the model of his
old master, Dr. Woodford's, Epitome of Caesar. One of his pupils at
Stirling was the late Rev. John Watson, D.D. (Ian McLaren), and he is
remembered by one or two surviving Madras old boys to whom he acted as
private tutor or taught when assistant in the Classical Department."
"One schoolmaster deserves a note to illustrate, if no
more, the benefit which could come to clever, poor boys from the
foundation. David Paton, whose father was killed during the building of
school, was enabled by bursaries to complete his education at school and
university. He became a schoolmaster and finished his career as a rector
of Glasgow High School."
