11 Facts About Alexander Muir

Alexander Muir was a Canadian songwriter, poet, soldier, and school headmaster.

Alexander Muir was the composer of The Maple Leaf Forever, which he wrote in October 1867 to celebrate the Confederation of Canada.

In 1833 Muir immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, from Lesmahagow, Scotland, where he grew up and he was educated by his father.

Alexander Muir later studied at Queen's College, where he graduated in 1851.

Alexander Muir taught in the Greater Toronto Area in such places as Scarborough and Toronto, as well as in Newmarket, Beaverton, and in then suburban areas as Parkdale and Leslieville, where he lived on Laing Avenue.

Alexander Muir joined The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada in 1860 and served as Lieutenant in No 10 Company, fighting with them at the Battle of Ridgeway being wounded in the arm.

Alexander Muir was later awarded the Canada General Service Medal.

Alexander Muir wrote The Maple Leaf Forever while he was serving with the regiment.

Alexander Muir wrote several songs about Canada during his career, including Canada Forever and Young Canada Was Here, but his most enduring composition was The Maple Leaf Forever written in 1867, the year of Confederation.

Alexander Muir originally wrote the poem for a patriotic poetry contest in Montreal, winning second prize.

When he failed to find a suitable tune, Alexander Muir wrote the music himself.