Leslie Family papers
Collection
This collection consists of letters exchanged between the Leslie family and friends, and is concerned with the business of running the family enterprises, including Canning Downs and Goombungle Stations. The main body of the collection is correspondence between the Leslies and their parents in Scotland and the McArthur family. Included are copies of material held in other repositories as well as typed transcripts.
The Leslie brothers emigrated from Scotland in the 1830s. Patrick, Walter and George were the first squatters to occupy land on the Darling Downs. Patrick and George married Kate and Emmelene McArthur, daughters of Hannibal Hawkins McArthur. The Leslies were leading Darling Downs identities, taking an active part in politics. Patrick Leslie built the original Newstead House and was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly in 1857. In 1850 George Leslie was Supervisor of Works, Main Roads, Southern District of the Darling Downs and correspondence from him, as well as his brother Patrick, can also be found in the Colonial Secretary's papers 1822-1877. The Leslie brothers' parents financed much of their enterprise while remaining in Scotland.
Out of copyright.