Robert Pollock (principal)

Robert Pollock (1709–1759) was a Church of Scotland minister who served as principal of Marischal College in Aberdeen from 1757 to 1759.

Life

He was born on 4 December 1707 in Edinburgh. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh graduating with an MA in May 1725. He trained as a Church of Scotland minister he was licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh in November 1732 but took several years to find a patron. He was ordained as minister of Duddingston Kirk just south of Edinburgh, in March 1744.[1]

In July 1745 he translated to Greyfriars Church, Aberdeen.[2] In August of the same year he took on the additional role of Professor of Divinity at Marischal College.[1]

In May 1740 he took on the additional role as Almoner to the King (George II). In 1753 he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity. In April 1757 he succeeded Rev Dr Thomas Blackwell as Principal of Marishal College.[1]

He died in Aberdeen on 18 May 1759. His position as principal was filled by Rev George Campbell.[3]

Family

In 1747 he married Elizabeth Robertson, daughter of Alexander Robertson of Glasgowego, Provost of Aberdeen. They had several children:[1]

  • Alexander Pollock (b. 1748) surgeon in Aberdeen
  • Jane Pollock (1749-1840) married Alexander Duthie, advocate in Aberdeen
  • James 1751-1752
  • Margaret Pollock (1752-1831) married Alexander Dauney, advocate in Aberdeen
  • Walter (b.1753) - Elizabeth died at or soon after this birth[4]

Artistic recognition

Joint portraits of Pollock and his wife (artist unknown) are held by the University of Aberdeen.[2]

References
  1. Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae; vol. 1, by Hew Scott
  2. Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae; vol. 7; by Hew Scott
  3. ODNB: Rev George Campbell
  4. Aberdeenshire Epitaphs and Inscriptions 1901
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