Alexander MacDonnell was born in Belfast and was educated at Westminster School and Oxford University. He was called to the Bar in 1824 and became Resident Commissioner of National Education, a post which he occupied for thirty-two years. He was appointed a Privy Councillor in 1846 and was created a baronet in 1872. He died in Drogheda. A statue of him by Farrell stands in Marlborough Street School, Dublin.

Born:	1794
Died:	21 January 1875