George Melrose
George Melrose | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1806-12-22 Scotland |
| Died | 1894-04-08 |
| Occupation(s) | Settler, pastoralist |
| Known for | Pastoral pursuits and founding the Melrose family lineage in South Australia |
George Melrose (22 December 1806 – 8 April 1894) was a Scottish settler in South Australia, whose lineage went on to achieve distinction in both pastoral pursuits and various professional fields.
History
George Melrose, the youngest surviving son of John Melrose from Balerno, Scotland, arrived in South Australia in 1839 aboard the ship Palmyra. He initially gained practical knowledge in sheep farming along the Bremer River and at Macclesfield working alongside (later Sir) Walter W. Hughes. He also worked at Mount Barker with Robert Lawson of Padthaway. Subsequently, he acquired land on the South Rhine (present-day Marne River) where he established the property "Rosebank" near Mount Pleasant. After securing surrounding acreage, Melrose ventured eastward beyond the Murray and invested in the Lake Victoria area in 1846, moving there a year later. Following seven years of occupation, his lease application was unsuccessful, with rights granted to another party. Consequently, Melrose returned to Mount Pleasant and focused on expanding his estate over several decades; the main residence was constructed in 1858. Later acquisitions included "Wangaraleednie" near Franklin Harbor, as well as the Borthwick Brae and Ulooloo stations.
Family
On 24 May 1847, George Melrose married Euphemia Thomson (1829–1887), daughter of John Thomson from Kirkcaldy, Scotland, who had settled at "Lily Bank," Mount Pleasant. Their offspring comprised:
- Janet "Jessie" Melrose (1848–1939), who wed Dr. Hugh Ferguson MRCS JP.
- Alice Effie Ferguson inherited land that became Ferguson Conservation Park near Stonyfell, South Australia.
- Elizabeth Thomson Melrose (1853–1945), married John Murray; their son Sir John Stanley Murray (1884–1971) achieved notable professional success.
- George Thorburn Melrose (1855–1924) resided at "Rosebank."
- James Melrose (1857–1922) managed Wangaraleednie Station before relocating to "Glenwood," Aldgate; he married Isabel Mary Edhouse. Their children included:
- Effie Jessie Melrose (1882–1910)
- Florence Isabel Melrose (1884–1958)
- Clarice Gwendoline Thomson Melrose married Herbert Mayo KC, a partner at Symon, Mayo, Murray and Cudmore law firm.
- George Stanley Melrose owned "Willogoleche," Hallett.
- Eric Nesbit Melrose died in childhood.
- James later remarried Hildergarde Westley Billing; they had one son:
- Charles James Melrose, known as Jimmy Melrose (1913–1936), a celebrated aviator.
- Sir John Melrose (1860–1938) of Ulooloo was a philanthropist who became blind in 1901; he married Emily Eliza Edhouse. Their children were:
- Emily Jessie Melrose
- Alexander John Melrose, MHA and MLC, who served as president of the Liberal and Country League.
- Lillie Margaret Melrose cared for her father.
- Robert Thomson Melrose (1862–1945) of Rosebank was a pastoralist and politician; he married Gwendoline Grace Lawrie.
- Alexander "Alex" Melrose (1865–1944), a lawyer and partner in Homburg & Melrose; he was a major benefactor to the Art Gallery of South Australia, honored through the Melrose Gallery; he remained unmarried.
- Lillie Margaret Jane "Lily" Melrose (1870–1932) married Dr. Henry Higham Wigg, son of E. S. Wigg.
This family's heritage demonstrates extensive contributions to pastoralism, legal practice, political life, philanthropy, and cultural support throughout South Australia.