McIntyre, Joseph

Joseph S McIntyre, Mayor of Toowoomba in 1880, was an auctioneer and valuator. Born in Glasgow on 13th September 1842, Joseph McIntyre arrived in Brisbane in 1862 on the “Flying Cloud”.

Two years later he came to Toowoomba, first settling at his uncle’s station on the Warrego, and then trying his luck on the Queensland goldfields.

He returned to Toowoomba in 1870 and set up business as an auctioneer and valuator in Ruthven Street near the present day Australia Arcade.

He remained there for 25 years, building up extensive connections.

McIntyre then moved to Margaret Street where he remained in business for 14 years until ill health forced him to retire. Besides his term on Council as Mayor, he also served as an alderman from 1877 to 1879 and in 1881 and 1882.

Historian Mr Ron Douglas said Joseph McIntyre built and lived in a house named “Roslyn” in Herries Street. Later named “Nundora”, this house still stands and is located behind the Toowoomba Ten Pin Bowling Centre.

Mr Douglas said records show the property, which extended to West Creek, had its own racecourse.

McIntyre later moved to Llewelyn Street where he established a vineyard. He won numerous prizes for his wines at the Toowoomba Royal Agricultural Show. A street at the back of his Llewelyn Street property has been named in honour of him.

Joseph McIntyre died on May 25, 1910.