Thomson, Edward Deas, 1800 – 1879

Sir Edward Deas Thomson (1800-1879), public servant and parliamentarian, was born at Edinburgh, Scotland, son of Sir John Deas Thomson and his wife Rebecca, nee Freer. Rebecca Freer was born in South Carolina, USA, and in 1826 Edward Deas Thomson travelled to South Carolina to attend to business arising from his mother's death. He travelled widely and in 1828 was appointed clerk of the Executive and Legislative Councils of NSW, taking up his appointment in January 1829. In 1833 Thomson married Anne Maria, second daughter of Governor Bourke.

In 1837 Thomson was appointed Colonial Secretary having been appointed a member of the Executive and Legislative Councils (1837-1856). After the introduction of responsible government in NSW Thomson was again appointed to the NSW Legislative Council (1856-1861, 1861-1879). [ref:ADB 2]