Sir Edward Deas Thomson

1st Jun 1800 - 16th Jun 1879


Biography

Born 01/06/1800 in Edinburgh, youngest son of Sir John Deas Thomson (q.v.) and Rebecca née Freer. Appointed clerk of the council in New South Wales in May 1828. Member of several boards concerned with the control of convicts, in particular the Convict Assignment Board. Married Anne Maria, second daughter of Governor Richard Bourke, 18/09/1833. Colonial secretary of New South Wales 02/01/1837 - 06/06/1856. One of the 16 original members of the senate of Sydney University, 1850; founded the Deas Thomson scholarship for the study of natural sciences; vice-chancellor of the university 1863 and chancellor 1865-1878. Died in Sydney, 16/07/1879.


Sources

Osborne, M. E., 'Thomson, Sir Edward Deas (1800–1879)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/thomson-sir-edward-deas-2732/text3855 [accessed 17/10/2012].


Further Information

Absentee?
British/Irish
Spouse
Anne Maria Bourke
Children
2 sons, 5 daughters
School
Edinburgh High School; Harrow; College at Caen, Normandy
Occupation
Colonial administrator
Religion
Church of England

Legacies Summary

Cultural (2)

Member
Linnean Society of London...... 
Chancellor
Sydney University...... 
notes →
For his role in the development of the university, see Imperial...

Imperial (6)

Clerk of the council
Australia: New South Wales 
Clerk to the Executive and Legislative Councils
Australia: New South Wales 
Colonial Secretary
Australia: New South Wales 
Member of the Convict Assignment Board
Australia: New South Wales 
Member of the legislative council
Australia: New South Wales 
Other
Australia: New South Wales 
notes →
Member of the select committee on Sydney University, 1849; one of the original members of the university senate, 1850-1879; founded and funded the Deas Thomson scholarship of study in natural...

Relationships (1)

Son → Father

Addresses (1)

New South Wales, Australia