Alexander McLean

The following information is obtained from his obituary in the Paper as well as other online sources:

Alexander McLean was born in Argyleshire, Scotland in 1833 and came to NSW with his parents in 1838 when they settled at Moruya. His father was a shipwright and Alexander and his brother, Donald, eventually followed that occupation for several years. Alexander left to try his luck on the diggings at the Turon, and Major's Creek, and also in Victoria. He had fair success on these fields and on returning to Shoalhaven in 1853 he settled down with his brother, Donald at Crookhaven on a farm he purchased from the Ryan estate, at which he continued to live until his death.

When he came to Crookhaven, he and his brothers, Donald and Hector, began shipbuilding and were successful for many years. They built and launched several vessels including the "Numba" "Jeanette McFarlan" and "Titania". Their ship Titania was used to transport goods down the river¹. There is a great article about their ships including pictures from this source.

The shipbuilding industry at that time was of considerable importance and in recognition of the enterprise of the M'Lean Brothers (not to be confused with the "McLean Bros and Rigg", merchants of the same era), the residents of Pyree and other parts of the district entertained them at a banquet. Alex was the first to engage in agricultural pursuits here, and he took great interest in the affairs of the local Agricultural society for about 28 years, being a member of the executive of the society for the whole of that period. For about 18 years, he was an alderman (councilman) of the Central Shoalhaven Council and served as Mayor for 2 years.

From obituary in newspaper - Feb 9, 1907:

"Alderman (Alex) M'Lean was a man in a thousand. He was a good man... because he had the Scotch blood in his veins, although he was at times a bit stubborn, and did not decide things quickly......(at his retirement) meeting was a pleasing opportunity to present to ex Alderman M'Lean a walking stick cut from the forests of Scotland...Alderman M'Lean had done his duty faithfully and well for two years as mayor. As aged as he is, I have seen him take the shovel from the workman's hand and show him practically what he was to do. And we will all miss him and the municipality will be at the loss of his practical knowledge"

Alexander McLean married Ann Robertson in Numba, NSW on October 1st, 1857.

In 1868, Alexander's Mother died and there was an inquiry into her death. You can read about it here. It mentions details of where they all lived and what they did.

Alexander and Ann's children:

Alexander and Ann had 8 children together. Information known about them is recorded in their family page.

References

Alexander McLean Newspaper Obituary 1907

Marriage - NSW BDM

Ann McLean's Death 1914 - mentions Alexander Jr in Canada