John Gray (1724-1811)
John Gray (1724-1811) was the son of William Gray, a grammar school teacher in Cupar. A student of St Salvator’s College, John Gray received his BA in 1742. After some time as a travelling tutor to several noblemen on several grand tours, Gray then became a political secretary; he was assistant private secretary to the Duke of Northumberland, while the Duke was Lord Lieutenant in Ireland, and then Gray became Secretary to the Lottery Commission in London.
He was also an author and it is his writing which provides a link with empire: his An Essay on the Abolition, not only of the African Slave Trade, but of Slavery in the British West Indies, which was published in 1792, argues that chattel slavery is financially inefficient. His views are not easily categorised as pro or anti abolitionism (as we would understand them today). Among his (many) other works, he wrote The Essential Principles of the Wealth of Nations, illustrated, in opposition to some false doctrines of Dr. Adam Smith, and others, which was published in 1797.
Gray is a rare example of a repeat donor to the University, and is associated with three funds: the Gray Prize (from a 1794 gift), the Gray Bursaries and the Gray Chair of Chemistry (both created from a bequest in his will). He was awarded an honorary LL.D in 1796.
For more on Gray as alumnus, donor and abolitionist, including his links to Cupar, see our feature.