Macleay family papers and pictorial material

fonds

1811-1887, 1920-1929, 1983-1988

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Drawings, Prints

118506

The Macleays were a family that figured largely in the history of NSW during the 19th century. As well as being prominent politicians and landholders they had a particular interest in natural history. The head of the family was Alexander Macleay (1767-1848) who arrived in Sydney in 1826 following his appointment as Colonial Secretary of NSW. He was an excellent official and a skilled entomologist and botanist and was the first president of the Australian Museum. His eldest son was William Sharp Macleay (1792-1865). Born in England he joined his father in NSW in 1838. He occupied himself with the Macleay collection of insects and investigations into marine fauna. Sir George Macleay (1809-1891) was Alexander Macleay's third son. He emigrated to NSW in 1827 and two years later accompanied Charles Sturt on his second expedition to the mouth of the Murray River and back. He was a member of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly. His chief interests were farming, horticulture and zoology. Sir William John Macleay (1820-1891) was Alexander Macleay's nephew. He too became a member of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly. He assembled a vast zoological collection and was the first president of the Linnean Society of NSW.

SERIES 1:
Macleay family papers, 1811-1887, 1920-1929, 1983-1988

SERIES 2:
Macleay family pictorial works

This collection consists of manuscript and pictorial series. You may navigate to a detailed description of these series from this collection record.

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Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and courtesy copyright holder