Sir Alexander Stuart

Colonial Treasurer   8.2.1876 - 21.3.1877
(Robertson Ministry No.15  9.2.1875 - 21.3.1877)

Born Edinburgh, Scotland 21 March 1824. Son of Alexander, writer to The Signet, and Mary, nee McKnight.

Educated Edinburgh Academy, University of Edinburgh.

Arrived in the Colony, Scotia 9 October 1851 via Calcutta and New Zealand. 

In 1852  joined the Bank of New South Wales as assistant secretary and later a director and president.  He speculated in land, shipping and mining. 

Stuart played an active role in the Sydney Anglican diocesan synods advocating state aid to denominational education. 

Elected to the Legislative Assembly for East Sydney in December 1874-1879, Illawarra 1880-1885  He was appointed Agent-General in November 1879 resigning from the Assembly but personal finances precluded taking up the London position.  Stuart returned to the Assembly 1880-1885 representing Illawarra, taking office as Premier in January 1883 introducing his Crown Lands Bill in  the October and other significant legislation. 

Stuart presided over the Intercolonial Convention held in Sydney in November-December which planned the Federal Council of Australasia. 

Appointed to Legislative Council 1885-1886.  Following severe stroke Stuart resigned in October 1885.

Died typhoid fever 16 June.1886, Stanhope Gardens, London, and buried at Roxeth Church, Harrow-on-the-Hill, London.  Survived by wife Christiana Eliza Wood whom he had married at Cobbity 10 November 1853, his son and perhaps one of his three daughters.  His estate was valued for probate at £83,600.