Whyman McLean facts for kids

Whyman McLean was an Aboriginal man from Australia. He was a religious missionary who helped people. Later, he worked for the New South Wales Police Force as an Aboriginal tracker for 30 years. He retired in 1925.

Whyman McLean's Early Life

Whyman McLean was born around 1860 in a place called Morago, in New South Wales, Australia. His father was Archibald McLean, and his mother was Louisa, an Aboriginal woman. When he was young, Whyman lived at the Maloga Mission.

Whyman McLean's Work as a Missionary

Whyman McLean spent many years working as a missionary. A missionary is someone who travels to share religious beliefs and help communities. He traveled to big cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. His goal was to raise money to support the Maloga Mission. In the early 1890s, he also lived at the Warangesda Mission.

Whyman McLean's Police Career

Becoming a Police Tracker

In February 1897, Whyman McLean started a new job. He became an Aboriginal tracker for the New South Wales police. His first base was in a town called Tumbarumba.

Working in Wagga Wagga

After five years in Tumbarumba, Whyman moved to Wagga Wagga. He worked at the police station there for 28 years. His work took him to many places, including as far away as Gundagai.

Important Contributions as a Tracker

Whyman McLean played a very important role in the police force.

• He helped find 34 people who had drowned in the Murrumbidgee River.
• He was also very skilled at tracking. He helped find and bring in about 120 people who were wanted by the law. These people were then brought to court.

Later Life and Passing

Whyman McLean became unwell in December 1926. He was taken to Callan Park Hospital in Sydney. He passed away on December 23, 1926.