Alexander Muir (1830 - 1906) Schoolmaster, poet and the author of "The Maple Leaf Forever," lived here from 1891 - 1901. He was inspired to write the song in 1867 following a walk in Leslie Gardens, during which a Maple leaf is said to have fallen and clung to his sleeve. Muir was born in Lesmahagow, Scotland, and came to Upper Canada with his parents at an early age. He was educated in his father's school in Scarborough, and at Queen's University. After teaching in various centres, he became the principal of Gladstone Avenue Public School in 1888.