William Balmain R. N.,
First Fleet Surgeon
William Balmain, surgeon and landholder, was born on 2 February 1762 at Balhepburn, Rhynd, Perthshire, Scotland, the son of Alexander Balmain and Jane Henderson.
He entered the navy in 1780 as a surgeon's mate. (1)
Assistant Surgeon First Fleet
In October 1786 he was commissioned assistant surgeon to New South Wales. He was about twenty-five years of age when he sailed in the First Fleet transport Alexander the following May reaching Port Jackson in January 1788.Norfolk Island
William Balmain served in Sydney until October 1791, when he was appointed senior assistant surgeon at Norfolk Island. While in Sydney, he had formed a relationship with Margaret Dawson, a convict girl who had arrived on the Lady Penryhn. In November 1791 they, together with Philip Gidley King sailed to Norfolk Island on Atlantic. Their daughter Ann was born at Norfolk Island.Thomas Jamison was also stationed at Norfolk Island from 1788 to October 1799. He later succeeded William Balmain to the position of chief surgeon of New South Wales.
In 1796 William Balmain became chief surgeon in succession to Surgeon
John White who had returned to England in December 1794. He was appointed Magistrate and served on committees and was active in other public duties.Colonial Secretary's Correspondence - Special Bundles, 1794-1825
Return to England
William Balmain and Margaret Dawson returned to England in August 1801 on the ship Albion. He was appointed Surgeon to the Forces in 1803.Death
The Morning Chronicle reported his death in November 1803 - On the 17th instant in King Street, Bloomsbury, Dr. William Balmain, Surgeon to His Majesty's Forces and late Principal Surgeon to the territory of New South Wales.In his will he named Denis Considen as one of the Executors. He left an annuity for his mother Jane Balmain and his sister Margaret, who resided near Perth, Scotland. As well as personal goods and property he also devised an annuity of fifty pounds for the benefit of his ‘dear friend Margaret Dawson otherwise Henderson of Ormskirk, Lancashire, spinster, whose kindness to me while in ill health claims my warmest gratitude and by whom I have had two natural born sons’ (James and John). Margaret was enceinte when he made the will and he also provided for the unborn child (5)
Notes and Links
(1). Macpherson, John. Windsor and Richmond Gazette 3 July 1931(2) Sydney Mail 17 December
(3) Truth 18 September 1949
(4) A List of Civil and Military Establishments in New South Wales
(5) England & Wales, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858 Piece Description: Piece 1401: Marriott, Quire Numbers 894-954 (1803)
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