Neil Campbell was the son of Donald Campbell and Christina MacDonald, and is my great great grandfather.
Neil was born in 1848 on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. He moved to Australia with his parents when he was six years old in 1854. The family first settled in the Hunter region of NSW. In 1859 they moved to the Clarnce River, then they settled at Chatsworth Island in 1862, to grow cane.
Neil loved singing and dancing. He also loved adventure, and ran away from home at a young age. His father begged him to return, but Neil took up land in Casino, NSW. He them moved to Mullumbimby, leaving his selection in Casino to his brother-in-law. He called his property "Inveraray" after the castle in Scotland. With use this became known as "Inverary".
On 15 August 1883 Neil married Margaret McCowan at "Woodside", Palmers Creek.
Neil took his wife to "Inverary" through Richmond, Ballina and Main Arm.
Neil and Margaret were well known for their hospitality. Neil used to hire help of all ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. His daughter Mary recalled that these men would ask her father to sing for them. They all loved to hear him sing.
Neil Campbell was one of the people that convinced surveyors that the railway line should be built through Mullumbimby instead of Brunswick Heads.
On the property, Neil grew sugar cane, plums, mulberries, guavas, oranges, lemons, pears, apples, mandarins, persimmons, mangos, peaches, custard apples, and pineapples. He also had cattle.
Of an evening the family used gather around the piano, and sing while Mary played.
All the children were brought up learning the doctorine of the Free Presbyterian Church.
Neil died in 1913 at age 65. He died peacefully at his home.
Links to other sites on the Web
Home Page
Clan Campbell
List of Campbell
List of Pages
Reference;
Bruce, M. 1981, "Inverary, 1881 - 1981", Margaret Bruce, Australia.
Bourke, B. & Wilson, N. 1997, "The McCowan Family from Argyll, Scotland to Australia", Norma Wilson and Beverly Bourke, Australia.
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