People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

John Drummond (c. 1760–1827)

John Drummond, a former shoemaker, was quartermaster on the Sirius when he arrived at Sydney in January 1788 as part of the First Fleet. Stranded at Norfolk Island after the ship was wrecked in March 1790 he received a 60 acre grant of land in the area known as Drummond's Run. In June 1793 he sold his land to Lieutenant Edward Abbott and left the island on the Francis in December 1795.

Drummond returned to Norfolk Island as beachmaster (harbourmaster) in 1797, receiving a government allowance and was victualled from stores. He was living with Ann Read by 1797. In 1805 he held nearly 100 acres on the island. Drummond and Read left Norfolk Island for Sydney on the Minstrel in April 1813. They were married on 3 May 1813 at St Philip's Church, Sydney; no children were recorded for the couple.

In 1822 Drummond held 710 acres in the Liverpool area by grant and purchase; 100 acres were cleared with 38 in wheat, three in vegetables and an orchard. Drummond was buried at Liverpool on 4 July 1827; his age was given as 69.

* information from Mollie Gillen, The Founders of Australia: A Biographical Dictionary of the First Fleet (1989), p 109

Citation details

'Drummond, John (c. 1760–1827)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/drummond-john-30599/text37925, accessed 28 March 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

c. 1760
Perth, Perthshire, Scotland

Death

3 July, 1827 (aged ~ 67)
Liverpool, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Key Events