Joseph Marshall de Brett Maréchal, 2nd Baron d'Avray

d'Avray, Joseph Marshall de Brett Maréchal, 2nd Baron

Joseph Marshall de Brett Maréchal d'Avray, 2nd Baron, educator, journalist (b at London, Eng 30 Nov 1811; d at Fredericton 26 Nov 1871). Educated at the French royal court, Marshall d'Avray (as he preferred to be known) established a normal school on Mauritius prior to his arrival in New Brunswick in 1848. As first master of the Fredericton Normal School (1848-50) and later as superintendent of education (1854-58), d'Avray was frequently involved in political turmoil and debate. In 1854, as editor of the Fredericton Headquarters, he seized every opportunity to satirize opponents of his progressive views on teacher training, compulsory assessment and a "rounded" liberal education. From 1852 until his death, d'Avray was professor of modern languages at King's College (which became UNB in 1859). Removed from office as superintendent for "political reasons" in 1858, the Baron devoted the remainder of his life to teaching, leaving an indelible mark on his students.