John Matthew (1811-89) was the head of Matthew’s, Grocers of Trinity Street, from 1849 to 1889. He, his wife, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and eight of the couple’s eleven children are commemorated in three grave plots in the cemetery. Matthew & Son was a significant presence in the centre of Cambridge for 130 years, with its sumptuous offerings of exotic coffees and teas, cheeses, preserves, wines, spirits and tobacco.
John was a parishioner of the old All Saints Church (opposite St John’s College), and when that was demolished in 1865 he was much involved in establishing the new All Saints Church on Jesus Lane. A window in the church is dedicated to John and Mary Ann. John headed the family firm for 40 years, establishing it as a thriving business.
Last receipt is dated 1927.
Manager for the Kent School, Connecticut, 1950 Henley Crew.
McCrae was an undergraduate at Jesus between 1953 and 1956. Whilst a student he was an illustrator on Varsity, Light Blue, Chanticlere, A year's purchase and Visa magazines. McCrae went on to use his drawing abilities when undertaking his later entomological work in Africa.
Took a degree in Chemistry at UCL before transferring to Cambridge to read Mineralogy and Petrology.
He served with the Colonial Service for three years for his National Service and was posted as a mineralogist in Tanganyika. He returned to Cambridge as a research student in 1957.
In 1966 he marriage his departmental colleague Christine Kelsey.
Appointed Fellow of Jesus College in 1959.
Director of Studies in Natural Sciences, 1964 - 1997
Steward at Jesus from 1969 - 1995. He supervised the College catering, and the maintenance of grounds and gardens. With his flair for the design of menus and judgement in selection of wines, a dinner in Jesus became a memorable experience.
President, 1995 - 1997.