Donaldson, Stuart Alexander, 1812 – 1867

Stuart Alexander Donaldson (1812-1867), merchant, pastoralist, and Premier of NSW, was born at Lancashire, England and came to Australia in 1835 to work with Richard Jones & Co. Within two years he became a partner of the business and then manager when Jones retired in 1838. Donaldson held several public positions including a magistrate, and was a founder of Australian Club, before entering politics.

Donaldson was an elected member of the old Legislative Council (1848-1853, 1855-1856) and was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Sydney Hamlets (Mar.-Oct. 1856) and Cumberland (1856-1859). He was on the executive council of the first responsible government of 1856, and served a term as Premier and Colonial Secretary (June-Aug. 1856) and Colonial Treasurer (1856-1859). Donaldson had extensive pastoral interests purchasing land in Melbourne, Tenterfield and Clifton in New England district. [Ref:Australian Dictionary of Biography. Vol.4, 1851-1890. Carlton, Vic.: Melbourne University Press, 1972