Balmain & Glebe Heritage
'William Balmain' Testimony
William joined the navy as surgeon's mate about 1780. In Nov 1784 he went on 'Nautilus' as surgeon's mate when that ship was engaged in a survey of the Das Voltas region of west Africa (today Namibia), the government hopeful it might provide a satisfactory destination for the convicts then overcrowding British prisons.
On 21 Oct 1786 he made application to join the NSW venture, an application supported by his former Captain, Thomas Boulden Thompson. Admiral Lord Howe returned his application with a tart reminder that he would be considered in his turn.
He was, however, appointed assistant surgeon and made the voyage aboard the ship 'Alexander' with the First Fleet.
In April 1800 he was granted 550 acres in the Petersham district (now the suburb of Balmain); here with another 100 purchased acres, he cultivated 50 acres of land. He grazed 94 sheep, ten oxen, 40 goats, 55 hogs and three horses.
Balmain sold his grant of 500 acres, which covered nearly the whole of the present suburb, in 1801 to John Gilchirist for 5 shillings, probably as part of a business deal.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Balmain
'William Balmain' Testimony
William joined the navy as surgeon's mate about 1780. In Nov 1784 he went on 'Nautilus' as surgeon's mate when that ship was engaged in a survey of the Das Voltas region of west Africa (today Namibia), the government hopeful it might provide a satisfactory destination for the convicts then overcrowding British prisons.
On 21 Oct 1786 he made application to join the NSW venture, an application supported by his former Captain, Thomas Boulden Thompson. Admiral Lord Howe returned his application with a tart reminder that he would be considered in his turn.
He was, however, appointed assistant surgeon and made the voyage aboard the ship 'Alexander' with the First Fleet.
In April 1800 he was granted 550 acres in the Petersham district (now the suburb of Balmain); here with another 100 purchased acres, he cultivated 50 acres of land. He grazed 94 sheep, ten oxen, 40 goats, 55 hogs and three horses.
Balmain sold his grant of 500 acres, which covered nearly the whole of the present suburb, in 1801 to John Gilchirist for 5 shillings, probably as part of a business deal.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Balmain