Leslie, Patrick, 1815-1881.

Patrick Leslie emigrated from Scotland in the 1830s. He and his two brothers, Walter and George, were the first squatters to occupy land on the Darling Downs. Patrick married Kate McArthur, daughter of Hannibal Hawkins McArthur. The Leslies were the leading Darling Downs identities, taking an active part in politics. Patrick built the original Newstead House, and was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly in 1857. The Leslie brothers' parents financed much of their enterprise, while remaining in Scotland.

The Leslie brothers, Patrick, George and Walter, arrived in Australia in 1835. In 1840 they took up an area that included Toolburra and Canning Downs Stations on the Darling Downs. In 1841 they sold Toolburra, Patrick moved to Newstead House, Brisbane, while George and Walter continued to run Canning Downs. In 1847 Patrick acquired Goomburra Station near Canning Downs and in 1848 he bought land at Warwick.