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David MacKenzie

BiographyRev. John Dunmore Lang, originally from Edinburgh, recruited David Mackenzie, in 1834 as a teacher in his Australian College, founded in 1831. In 1835, Mackenzie became senior master, teaching mathematics and natural philosophy. When Lang visited England in 1839-41, Mackenzie officiated at Scots Church although he was not an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland. He also lectured at the Mechanics' School of Arts, served on its committee and presided at its debating class and at discussions on "spectres and ghosts".

Mackenzie seems to have appreciated the absence of social prejudices in Sydney and certainly took advantage of the opportunities available by investing in livestock and land at Yass, Gundagai and Albury.

Mackenzie returned to Britain in 1844 and published 'The Emigrant's Guide; or Ten Years' Practical Experience in Australia' in 1845. He returned to Australia and sold his land interests by 1850. He was based in London again by 1852 and published 'The Gold Digger: A Visit to the Gold Fields of Australia’ in February, 1852.

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