Obituaries Australia

The subject of our portrait is the late Rev. George Fairfowl Macarthur, formerly headmaster, of the King's School, Parramatta. The rev. gentleman died on June 18 somewhat suddenly at his residence, Wyandra, Ashfield. He was the grandnephew of John Macarthur, and son of Hannibal Macarthur, who married the daughter of Governor King. In 1832, at the age of 7 years, he was admitted one of the first pupils at the King's School, of which the Rev. Robert Forrest was then head master. Afterward he studied under the Rev. Dr. Woolls, and, taking holy orders, was appointed chaplain to the troops, and subsequently incumbent of St. Mark's, Darling Point, and was actively engaged in working for its erection and adornment, the land and liberal funds having been donated by Mr. T. S. Mort. After taking a rest, owing to his health having become impaired, he devoted himself to the work of education, and established a Grammar School at Macquarie Fields. In 1866 the King's School being closed, and as the Government was about to use it as an asylum, the rev. gentleman, after consultation with the Bishop of the diocese, gave up the school at Macquarie Fields and took the position of head master of the King's School, Parramatta, which, under his administration, was completely re-established. About four years ago he was compelled to retire from the position owing to ill-health, and was succeeded by the Rev. St. John Gray, who was afterward succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Harris. The Rev. G. F. Macarthur was greatly beloved by his pupils, who in after years bore ample testimony to his helpful sympathy and unvarying kindness. The deceased gentleman, who married Miss Priddle, leaves two daughters and a son, who is in the Royal Navy. His decease caused universal regret, and his funeral was attended by numbers of representative men and about 200 pupils of the Kings School, much sympathy being expressed for his family.