Born in 1802, the son of John Laurie, farmer, of Lanarkshire, Scotland. Educated at the University of Glasgow. Licensed by the Relief Presbytery of Glasgow in 1824. Preacher in Stockbridge Relief Chapel, Edinburgh (1825-28). At Glasgow (1828-31). Joined the Church of Scotland and was ordained by the Presbytery of Lanark on 29 June 1841. He married on 1 June 1841 at Carnwath (and/or Pettinain), Lanarkshire, Scotland to Janet Bunyan Nichol, daughter of Andrew Nicol. Arrived at Melbourne on 8 February 1842 per "William Nichol" from Leith, Scotland. Appointed to Portland in 1842. Ministered to a wide area. Moved to Port Fairy in 1843. Relieved of his charge on 6 July 1848. Editor of the "Portland Herald" newspaper from 1850. Died on 5 February 1854 at his residence, Julia Street, Portland, Victoria.

[death certificate; Scott Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae (death details wrong); Ward & Prentis Presbyterian Ministers in Australia 1822-1901; Mrs. R. Helen Neal (descendant)]

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