Francis Ormond
Great Britain- Early Life and Arrival in Australia
- Pastoralist and Land Acquisition
- Public Service and Philanthropy
- The Ormond Legacy
- Family and Later Years
Early Life and Arrival in Australia
Francis Ormond was born on November 23, 1827, in Aberdeen, Scotland. His father, Captain Francis Ormond, was a merchant seaman who brought his family to Melbourne, Australia, in 1842. The family later moved to New Zealand due to economic instability, but returned to Melbourne in 1843 and leased land near Geelong.
Pastoralist and Land Acquisition
In 1847, Ormond purchased the 'Mopiamnum' sheep station southwest of Ballarat. He proved to be a skilled shepherd, improving the land and protecting his sheep from dingo attacks. In 1851, he sold 'Mopiamnum' and acquired 30,000 acres of land east of Piggoreet, where he grazed merino sheep. The discovery of gold in Ballarat in 1851 significantly increased the value of Ormond's landholdings.
Public Service and Philanthropy
Ormond's wealth allowed him to purchase an estate in Melbourne. However, he also used his money to benefit society. He donated funds to build a school, a brick church, and a Presbyterian college. He was a member of the Victorian Parliament and a generous supporter of religious and educational causes. He founded the Working Men's College of Melbourne, which later became RMIT University.
The Ormond Legacy
Ormond's keen interest in education led to the construction of a school for his employees' children. He also contributed substantially to the establishment of a Presbyterian college at the University of Melbourne. His generosity extended beyond his lifetime, as he left a substantial bequest to support future educational and charitable endeavors.
Family and Later Years
Ormond married Ann Greeves in 1851. She died in 1881, and he married Mary Oliphant in 1885. Weakened by illness, Ormond traveled to Europe for medical treatment. He died in Pau, France, on May 5, 1889. His second wife died in 1925. Ormond's legacy as a successful pastoralist, philanthropist, and supporter of education continues to inspire generations of Australians.
