Australian Dictionary of Biography

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

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Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

The Australian Dictionary of Biography is Australia's pre-eminent dictionary of national biography. In it you will find concise, informative and fascinating descriptions of the lives of significant and representative persons in Australian history.

See what distinguished Australians are saying about the ADB.

The ADB is produced by the National Centre of Biography at the Australian National University.


 

Feature Article

Allan McLean (1840–1911)

Allan McLean

Allan McLean (1840-1911), stock and station agent and politician, was born on 3 February 1840 at Oban in the Highlands of Scotland, son of Charles McLean and his wife Anne, née McLellan. According to Allan his parents 'were practically frozen out of Scotland' by 'an exceptionally severe winter'. In 1842 Charles, his wife and son, and his brother Angus migrated to Sydney, where Charles was offered the management of Captain MacAlister's sheep-runs in newly discovered Gippsland. Indeed, Mrs McLean...

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What’s New
4 July 2023

Two new ADB entries added

Two new ADB entries have been added
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22 June 2023

Three new ADB entries

Three new ADB entries added
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19 June 2023

New ADB entry

New ADB entry added
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Born This Day

Harold Addison Woodruff (1877–1966)

Harold Addison Woodruff (1877-1966), veterinary pathologist and bacteriologist, was born on 10 July 1877 at Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, son of Herbert Woodruff, engineering draftsman, and his wife Mary,...

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