education in Nova Scotia to the reformists [see Alexander Howard MacKay]. The ensuing 20 years saw

. 1837 in Edinburgh, youngest son of Donald Macdonald and Elizabeth MacKay; m

, N.S. Alexander Howard MacKay grew up in rural Pictou County, attended local public schools, and graduated from the Pictou Academy in 1865

 July 1889 he was appointed classical master and principal of Pictou Academy, succeeding (as principal) Alexander Howard