William Ogilvie

William Ogilvie (1740–1832) was a Scottish-born scholar and tutor. Life Details of Ogilvie's early life are unclear. The Dictionary of Irish Biography suggests several possible backgrounds: "His enemies alleged that he was from a humble background, though possibly educated at Edinburgh University ... some even said he had come to Ireland as a drummer in a Scots regiment." Another suggestion was that he was from Banff, Scotland and attended King's College, Aberdeen. He himself claimed to be related to "a baronetical family of Ogilvies". Ogilvie was hired by Emily FitzGerald, Duchess of Leinster, to tutor her children after the death of her eldest in London. He was introduced to her by Dean Marley and was described as speaking with a harsh Scots voice, being dour, ungainly, often rude and frequently unshaven. Eccentric in his age this shy, reserved, rather grubby man believed that children were sensible immature people and had an excellent rapport with them. He had a particular fondness for Lord Edward FitzGerald, preparing him for his military career. After leaving the army Lord Edward was appointed commander in chief of the United Irishmen just before the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Ogilvie visited him whilst he was in hiding from the authorities.