Lauchlan Mackinnon

Lauchlan Mackinnon (26 February 1817 – 21 March 1888) was a pastoralist, politician and newspaper proprietor in colonial Australia.

Early life

Mackinnon was born in Kilbride, Isle of Skye, Scotland, the second son of John Mackinnon, a Presbyterian minister of Strath, Skye, and his wife Ann, daughter of Lauchlan Mackinnon of Corriechatachan, Skye. and vigorously supported its claims for justice from the governing authorities of New South Wales. He was a strong and earnest supporter of the anti-convict movement, and took a prominent part in the demonstration which was held in Melbourne in 1849, when the inhabitants resolved to oppose the landing of convicts from the ship Randolph by physical force, and to undergo any extremity of suffering rather than permit the colony to become a receptacle of felons. and assisted to pass a measure intended to prevent the introduction of convicted offenders into the colony. and elected as the Mayor. When the gold discoveries in Victoria gave such a wonderful impetus to the colony, the vigorous judgment and business ability of Mackinnon, with the brilliant literary qualities of his partner, Edward Wilson, placed the Argus in the van of the Australian press.

After some years of arduous work, Mackinnon retired in 1919 and returned to England, where he settled in Crediton, Devon.

Life

He was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of Robert Montgomery, and sister of James Montgomery; and his second, Emily, daughter of Capt. Bundoch, R.N. who was born at Corry on the Isle of Skye, Scotland in 1848. Emigrating to Australia in 1870, he similarly became the part-proprietor of the Argus (1888–1919) and Australasian. In 1876 he married Emily Grace, and had one son and two daughters. His son was also (military captain) Lauchlan Mackinnon who served on the council of the Argus and Australasian. Lauchlan Charles Mackinnon received a knighthood in 1916, dying at Downes, Crediton, Devonshire.