Alexander Imlay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Imlay
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Alexander Imlay was an early doctor in New South Wales
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Alexander William Imlay
1800 Scotland
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| Died | 31 March 1847 (aged 46–47) New South Wales
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Doctor, merchant and pastoralist |
| Years active | 1829-1847 |
| Known for | Pioneer settler |
Alexander Imlay (born around 1800, died 1847) was a Scottish pioneer who settled in southern New South Wales, Australia. He worked with his brothers, George and Peter. They were known for being pastoralists (raising livestock like sheep and cattle), whalers (hunting whales), and shipbuilders. Many places in the area are named after them, such as Imlay Street in Eden, Mount Imlay National Park, and the former Imlay Shire.
Alexander Imlay's Early Life
Alexander Imlay was born in Scotland. Some records suggest he was born in 1794, while others point to 1800. He studied at Aberdeen University and became a surgeon in 1816. In 1827, he joined the British army as a surgeon.
Alexander arrived in Sydney in December 1829. By March 1830, he was working as a government doctor at the Civil Hospital. His brother, George, who was also a surgeon, later joined him there.
In 1831, Alexander traveled to the Illawarra region. He reported that a disease similar to smallpox had spread among the Aboriginal people there. This disease was a major cause of death for Aboriginal communities during that time. In 1832, Alexander joined Governor (Sir) Richard Bourke on a trip to inspect southern New South Wales.
By 1833, Alexander had claimed 1,280 acres (518 hectares) of land on the Bredalbane plains. His brothers, Peter and George, also took up land at Twofold Bay. This area is near what is now Eden. The brothers worked as pastoralists, whalers, and shipbuilders. They produced large amounts of tallow (animal fat) and salted meat. Because the area was so remote, they mostly used ships for transport and communication.
Working in Tasmania
Alexander Imlay left his government job in 1833. He moved to Tasmania to help his brothers who stayed in New South Wales. In Hobart, he arranged for ships to bring their cattle and sheep from Twofold Bay to Tasmania. These animals were very popular, and soon Alexander was supplying most of the butchers in Hobart.
Some of the ships were also used for whaling during the winter. Alexander ran several whaling stations along the coast of Tasmania. His brothers did the same at Twofold Bay. Alexander also owned one or two farms in Tasmania. He married Sophia Atkins in Hobart, and they had four children together.
Later Life and Legacy
The Imlay brothers faced money problems during an economic downturn that started in 1840. They gave their large cattle farm, which was about 200,000 acres, to the Walker brothers. The Walkers built a large house on the property and named it Kameruka. This name means "wait till we return." Later, the property was sold to the Twofold Bay Pastoral Company and then to the Tooth family.
Alexander left Tasmania and returned to his brothers at Twofold Bay. George Imlay passed away in December 1846 due to an illness. Alexander died in 1847 at his brother's home (likely Peter's). Peter Imlay later moved to New Zealand in 1851 and lived there for 30 years.
Many places in New South Wales are named after the Imlay brothers. These include Imlay Street, which is the main street in Eden. There is also the Mount Imlay National Park and the former Imlay Shire. The Imlay Shire became part of the Bega Valley Shire in 1981.
