Andrew, Professor Henry Martyn

Born in England in 1845, the family migrated in 1853. He was educated at Melbourne Grammar and then Melbourne University, studying subjects in mathematics, physics, zoology, chemistry, astronomy, geology and mapping. He actually taught at Wesley and was the Master in charge from the time the College opened until Dr Corrigan arrived from Britain in late February. He left in June 1868 to take up further study at Cambridge University, only to return to Wesley at the invitation of Professor Irving in 1873 when he was second master. He became Headmaster when Irving resigned in 1875, and at age 31 became the third headmaster in 1876. He left after six years to become Professor at Melbourne University. 

His achievements include developing the first science laboratory, establishing the Prefect system, changing the school colours to light blue and white (to reflect his personal connection to Cambridge), he introduced swimming lessons at St Kilda Baths, lessons in German and laid the cricket pitch on the what is now the Back Turf. He encouraged sport and worked with the other similar schools to arrange sporting matches, a precursor to the APS.

He married in early 1881 at the age of 37 to Minna (Mary Constance) Fisher, the daughter of a close friend. He died on 18th September 1888 on a trip to England, taken on the advice of doctors who were concerned by his frequent bouts of ill health and incessant worrying. It is said he died of heatstroke and heat failure during the passage through the tropics, and was buried at sea.