William John Macleay

Sir William John Macleay (13 June 1820 – 7 December 1891) was a Scottish-Australian politician, naturalist, zoologist, and herpetologist.

Early life Macleay was born at Wick, Caithness, Scotland, second son of Kenneth Macleay of Keiss and his wife Barbara, née Horne.

Political career On 1 March 1855 Macleay was elected to the old Legislative Council as member for the Lachlan and Lower Darling Pastoral District. After responsible government, on 19 April 1856 Macleay was elected to the Legislative Assembly for the Lachlan and Lower Darling serving until 11 April 1859. From 1860 to 1874 he represented Murrumbidgee in the Assembly.

Confrontation with Ben Hall's gang The gang of bushrangers led by Ben Hall were active on the road between Sydney and Goulburn, during mid-December 1864. On 19 December 1864, Macleay was travelling along the road in his buggy. Aware of the presence of bushrangers in the area, he was carrying a Tranter revolving rifle, a formidable weapon for its day. He came across a bail up in progress, and approached the less well-armed gang, who fled. When Macleay reached Plumb's inn (now a private residence on the right (eastern) bank of Narambulla Creek, 9.5 km south of Marulan), the gang returned and attacked. Macleay reached the verandah of the inn and he returned fire, until the gang left the scene. He was awarded a medal for his bravery.