Marsden, Reverend Samuel (1764 - 1838)

Born: England (Farsley, Yorkshire)

Anglican clergyman, missionary and farmer

Career Highlights

Reverend Samuel Mardsen had served as a chaplain in NSW since 1794, based at Parramatta where he built St. John's church and a formidable and thriving farm. Marsden's missionary endeavours were predominately concerned with the Maoris of New Zealand, forming the NSW Society for Affording Protection to the Natives of the South Sea Islands and Promoting their Civilisation in 1813, and the following year purchasing the brig Active. In 1817 his preference for trade with Maoris over missionary work with Aborigines was key to a scathing and libellous attack in the Sydney press by `Philo Free', for which the Colonial Secretary, J.T. Campbell was convicted.

Marsden received various tickets-of-occupation and land grants around Bathurst in 1823-4, and by 1828 owned some 5140 acres. His sons and daughters, Thomas, Martha, Mary and Elizabeth Marsden, later also acquired grants, leases and squatting licenses in the district. Mary Marsden and her husband John Betts later lived at Summerhill.

Biographies

ADB, s.v. "Marsden, Samuel", by A.T. Yardwood, 2: 207-12.