Alexander Macleay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Macleay
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| Born | 24 June 1767 Ross-shire, Scotland
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| Died | 18 July 1848 (aged 81) New South Wales
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Other names | Alexander McLeay |
| Occupation | Chief Secretary of New South Wales |
| Known for | Lepidopterology |
Alexander Macleay (born 24 June 1767, died 18 July 1848) was an important Scottish-Australian figure. He was a scientist who loved insects, and he also held important government jobs in New South Wales. He was a member of important science groups like the Linnean Society and the Royal Society.
Life Story
Alexander Macleay was born in Ross-shire, Scotland. His father, William Macleay, was a leader in their town, Wick. Alexander studied hard and then moved to London. There, he worked as a wine merchant.
In 1795, he became a member of the Linnean Society of London. This is a famous group for natural history. He also worked for the government, dealing with prisoners of war. Later, he became a secretary for a special board that managed transport during wartime. When this board closed in 1815, Alexander retired with a good pension.
Alexander's main hobby was studying nature, especially entomology (the study of insects). He was most interested in lepidoptery, which is the study of butterflies and moths. He had one of the biggest and best insect collections in England, and maybe even the world! Part of his collection is now in Melbourne, Australia. In 1813, he was chosen as a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
On 14 June 1825, Alexander Macleay was chosen for a very important job. He became the Colonial Secretary for New South Wales. This meant he was a top government official. He arrived in Sydney in January 1826 with his wife, Eliza, and nine of their children. He also brought his huge insect collection.
Alexander worked very long hours. He became a member of the New South Wales Legislative and Executive Councils. He held these positions until December 1836. Later, he represented the areas of Gloucester, Macquarie, and Stanley in the Legislative Council. He served there from June 1843 until just before he died in 1848.
When he first arrived, he lived in a government house. Later, Governor Ralph Darling gave him land at Elizabeth Bay. Here, Alexander built a beautiful home called Elizabeth Bay House. He also created a large and wonderful botanic garden there. His amazing insect collections became the start of the Macleay Museum at the University of Sydney.
Beyond his scientific work, Alexander was also very active in other areas. He was the first president of the Australian Club, a well-known social club.
Family
Alexander Macleay married a woman named Miss Barclay. He was the father of William Sharp Macleay, who was also an entomologist. William added even more to his father's insect collection. Another son, George Macleay, was also a zoologist. His nephew, William John Macleay, was also an explorer and collector in Australia and New Guinea.
His daughter Rosa Roberta married Arthur Pooley Onslow. Their children included Arthur Alexander Walton Onslow and Sir Alexander Onslow. Another daughter, Christiana Susan, married William Dumaresq.
