David McLaren (colonial manager) facts for kids
David McLaren (born 1785 – died 22 June 1850) was a Scottish accountant, which means he managed money. He was also a lay preacher, a church leader who was not a full-time minister. He served as the main manager for the South Australian Company in the new Colony of South Australia from 1837 to 1841.
Contents
David McLaren's Life Story
Starting His Journey to South Australia
In 1835, David McLaren met George Fife Angas. Through this connection, he became an agent for people wanting to move to South Australia. He helped sell shares in the South Australian Company. Later, he was offered the important job of Manager for the Colony. He sailed to Australia on the Company's ship, a type of sailing vessel called a barque, named South Australian.
Arrival and Early Work
During his trip, he stopped for 12 days in Cape Town, South Africa. The governor there gave him vine clippings to take to South Australia. David McLaren arrived at Kingscote, Kangaroo Island on 22 April 1837. He did not have the hands-on skills of the previous manager, Samuel Stephens. However, David McLaren was very good with money.
Managing the Company's Finances
Through careful investments and smart financial management, he helped the South Australian Company become more successful. He also improved its bank, the South Australian Bank. While he made the Company richer, he didn't always make many friends. Some people thought he was very careful with money. The editor of the Register newspaper once wrote that he had "huge influence for good or for evil." The newspaper also said that his best achievements, like the new Port Adelaide and the Company's banking, were actually due to G. S. Kingston and Edward Stephens. The Register often criticized both McLaren and the Resident Commissioner J. H. Fisher.
Return to London
In January 1841, David McLaren returned to London. His family joined him there. He continued to manage the Company's business from London. He made sure it stayed profitable and helped the Colony. He also gave important information to a special committee about Australian shipping. This led to some changes in shipping rules in 1849.
Church and Family Life
His Role in the Church
David McLaren traveled to Australia alone, leaving his wife and children behind. His social life in the colony often revolved around his church. He served as a minister for a Baptist group. From July 1838, this group met at W. Finlayson's small house on Rundle Street. This spot later became the location of Charles Birks' shop. The group held their first public church services in September of that year. David McLaren was their regular and very successful lay pastor, whenever his official duties allowed. He even performed baptisms in the River Torrens in 1840.
His Son's Visit
His son, Alexander Maclaren (1826 – 1910), became a famous Baptist preacher and writer. Alexander visited Australia in 1889.
Places Named After Him
McLaren Vale
It is possible that McLaren Vale (or McLaren's Vale) was named after David McLaren. The timing of its naming and his important position support this idea. However, many people believe it was named after John McLaren. John McLaren was a surveyor (someone who maps land) who worked in that area. He later became the deputy Surveyor-General and died on 17 July 1885.
Other Recognitions
A wharf (a place where ships load and unload) at Port Adelaide was named after David McLaren. Also, the explorer John McDouall Stuart named McLaren Creek after John McLaren.
