Leslie, Patrick, 1815 – 1881

Patrick Leslie (1815-1881), pastoralist, pioneer and parliamentarian, was born at Warthill, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, second son of William and Jane Leslie. He was educated in Scotland and arrived at Sydney in 1835. After learning about flock management and colonial agriculture from the Macarthurs at Camden he managed 'Collaroi', a property near Cassilis NSW, owned by his uncle W.S. Davidson. When his brothers Walter and George arrived at Sydney he decided to look for land at the limits of settlement to the north. In 1840 he travelled north toward the Clarence River, and along with one convict, he explored the Darling Downs region, previously discovered by Allan Cunningham. Leslie settled on a property, 'Canning Downs', and his brothers followed with the flocks, making the Leslies the first European settlers on the Darling Downs.

In 1840 Patrick Leslie returned to Sydney where he married Catherine (Kate), daughter of Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur. Leslie and his wife remained on 'Canning Downs' until 1844 when he acquired land at Brisbane and built Newstead House. In 1846 he acquired 'Goomburra' on the Darling Downs and sold Newstead House the following year.

He was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seat of Moreton, Wide Bay, Burnett and Maranoa from 19 Nov. to 19 Dec. 1857. After selling 'Goomburra' Patrick Leslie settled at Waikato, New Zealand, before returning to Sydney in 1879. [ref:ADB 2]