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Alexander LEARMONTH

Replies: 8

Re: Alexander LEARMONTH

Posted: 27 Jul 2015 5:11PM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Learmonth
The St Andrews Immigration Society (of which Alexander Learmonth was President), and indeed other immigration societies in the Colonies were set up to introduce a better class of immigrant, at the time the majority of whom were convicts or ex-convicts. The societies were somewhat philanthropic, but also with motives of improving the community and social class of the population. The Bounty system meant that all but 5 pounds of the immigrants passage was paid by the Colony, the balance being paid off by the immigrant within 6 -12 months along with an agreement to reside in the colony for 4 years. The societies vetted the immigrants as to their capabilities and usefulness to the colony, their moral character and literacy. I believe they also either arranged employment on arrival or at least assisted the immigrant. In Tasmania there was something called "The Depot"...no information on this as yet.

At the time (1840-1860s) competition for immigrants was high with the majority of Scots and Irish being tempted to the USA with promises of free land and the gold rush, as well, the Scots, and in particular the Scottish Highlanders were quite suspicious of immigration. Representatives of St Andrews Immigration society visited the highlands in the 1850s to attempt to break down their reserves. My 3GGF Alexander Hill, was one such Highlander who came to Van Diemens Land in 1855 under the sponsorship of Alexander Learmonth.
SubjectAuthorDate Posted
hwatson701 15 Oct 2008 2:07PM GMT 
dj72green 26 Oct 2008 3:22PM GMT 
hwatson701 26 Oct 2008 4:08PM GMT 
dj72green 27 Oct 2008 7:12AM GMT 
kathyb186 15 Mar 2009 11:19PM GMT 
Julleigh 18 Mar 2009 12:35PM GMT 
Caroline Hutt... 27 Aug 2014 4:42AM GMT 
lizandlewis1 5 Jun 2015 11:58AM GMT 
Kate Knight 27 Jul 2015 11:11PM GMT 
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