Peter Imlay
Peter Imlay | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1797 Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Died | 1881 Wanganui, New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, whaler, shipbuilder |
| Years active | 1830–1881 |
| Known for | Early settler in southern New South Wales; pastoral farming, whaling, shipbuilding |
Peter Imlay (1797–1881), originally from Scotland, was an early settler in the southern part of New South Wales. Together with his brothers, Alexander (1794–1847) and George (c.1794–1846), he engaged in pastoral farming, whaling, and shipbuilding activities within the area.
Life and career
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Peter was baptized on 22 January 1797. He arrived in Australia in February 1830 aboard the Greenock, docking at Hobart Town. By July of the same year, he had taken on the role of stock inspector in Launceston.
The Imlay brothers purchased approximately 3,885 square kilometers near Twofold Bay in southern New South Wales. However, the economic downturn of 1840 caused them significant financial difficulties, leading to the forfeiture of most of their land assets.
In July 1846, Peter survived the shipwreck of the Breeze, a Hobart vessel, near Upolu, Samoa, while traveling from Tahiti to New Zealand. George passed away at Twofold Bay in 1846, followed by Alexander in 1847.
On 23 February 1853, Peter married Jane McGuire at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Sydney. He had moved to New Zealand earlier, settling at Balgownie in Wanganui around 1851. Peter died there on 8 March 1881 and was survived by his wife and three daughters.
Legacy
The Imlay family name remains prominent in New South Wales through various landmarks including Imlay Street—the principal street of Eden—Imlay Creek, Mount Imlay National Park, and the former Imlay Shire, now incorporated into Bega Valley Shire. In New Zealand, the family is honored by Imlay Parish located within the County of Auckland.