Stuart Donaldson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Stuart Donaldson
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| 1st Premier of New South Wales | |
| In office 6 June 1856 – 25 August 1856 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | Sir William Denison |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Charles Cowper |
| 5th Colonial Treasurer of New South Wales | |
| In office 3 October 1856 – 7 September 1857 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Richard Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Stuart Alexander Donaldson
16 December 1812 London, England, UK |
| Died | 11 January 1867 (aged 54) Carleton Hall, Cumberland, England, UK |
| Spouse | Amelia Cowper (1854–1867) |
| Children | Hay Frederick Donaldson St Clair Donaldson |
| Profession | Business agent for Richard Jones & Co, Company manager for Lloyd's of London; sheep and cattle grazier |
Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson (born 16 December 1812 – died 11 January 1867) was an important figure in the early history of New South Wales, Australia. He made history by becoming the very first Premier of the Colony of New South Wales in 1856. This means he was the first leader of the government in New South Wales after it gained the right to govern itself.
Contents
Who Was Stuart Donaldson?
His Early Life and Travels
Stuart Alexander Donaldson was born in London, England. When he was 15 years old, he started working for his father's business. To gain experience, he was sent to Mexico from 1831 to 1834.
After returning to England, Donaldson decided to travel to Australia. He arrived in Sydney, New South Wales, on 5 May 1835. He lived and worked there for several years before returning to London for a few years between 1841 and 1844.
Starting His Political Career
In 1848, Stuart Donaldson began his journey in politics. He was elected to the Legislative Council of New South Wales. This was a group of people who helped make laws for the colony. He represented the County of Durham until 1853.
During his time in the Council, he had a disagreement with Sir Thomas Mitchell. This led to a challenge for a duel with pistols, which was a way people sometimes settled arguments back then. Luckily, both men missed, but they remained rivals.
Donaldson was a strong supporter of new ideas. He helped develop steamship services to Australia. He also supported the important work of Caroline Chisholm, who helped many immigrant women and families in Australia. In 1852, he helped secure money to support Chisholm's efforts.
Becoming the First Premier
From 1855 to 1856, Donaldson continued to serve in the Legislative Council, representing the Sydney Hamlets.
In March 1856, a big change happened. New South Wales created a new government system with a Legislative Assembly, similar to a parliament today. Donaldson was elected to this new Assembly, again representing Sydney Hamlets.
The new government faced challenges in forming its first leadership team. Eventually, Governor Denison asked Stuart Donaldson to become the first Premier. Donaldson accepted and also took on the role of Colonial Secretary on 6 June 1856.
His time as Premier was short. After just two months and 20 days, his government lost a vote in the Assembly, and he resigned on 25 August 1856. He famously said that he and his colleagues were "too independent of office to cling to it."
After Being Premier
After his time as Premier, Charles Cowper took over the role. Stuart Donaldson continued to serve the government. He became the Colonial Treasurer from 1856 to 1857, managing the colony's money. He also worked as a Commissioner for Railways in 1857.
He was elected to represent Cumberland (South Riding) in the Legislative Assembly until 1859. Donaldson was also involved with the University of Sydney, serving on its Senate (a governing body) from 1851 to 1861. His brother, John, even helped choose the university's teachers.
Later Life and Family
In June 1859, Stuart Donaldson returned to England for the last time. He was made a knight in 1860, which meant he could use the title "Sir."
He tried to become a member of the British House of Commons (the UK's parliament) for different areas, but he was not successful.
Stuart Donaldson had four sons and one daughter. Many of his children became notable in their own right:
- His eldest son, Stuart Alexander Donaldson, became a respected scholar and leader at Magdalene College, Cambridge University.
- Another son, St Clair Donaldson, became an important religious leader as the archbishop of Brisbane, Australia.
- A third son, Sir Hay Frederick Donaldson, was a brilliant engineer. He sadly died during a special mission in 1916 when his ship, HMS Hampshire, hit a German mine.
Sir Stuart Donaldson passed away on 11 January 1867, at Carleton Hall in England.
See also
- Tenterfield, New South Wales
- Donaldson ministry
