Andrew McIntosh

Northcote Mayor (1886 – 1887)

Andrew McIntosh was born in Markinch, Scotland in 1825. His parents were Andrew McIntosh and Agnes Mackie. The McIntosh family arrived in Melbourne around 1867 and by 1870 McIntosh was listed as baker, High Street Northcote. 

Initial success allowed him to purchase the property and later expand it to include a grocery store. When Northcote became a borough in 1883 McIntosh was elected to Council. Northcote had only 289 houses at this stage, most being around the Westgarth and the Rucker’s Hill area.  Thornbury was very sparsely occupied. 

In 1886 Andrew McIntosh became Northcote’s fourth Mayor, replacing F. E. Beaver. Although McIntosh only served one term as mayor, he went on to enjoy a long and successful political career, serving as Councillor until his retirement in 1911.

McIntosh’s bakery lay on the east side of High Street between James Street and Separation Street. He continued in business from 1865 until sometime between 1888 and 1892.  

As well as his bakery and his Council duties, McIntosh also served the community in a number of other ways. He served as a Justice of the Peace and was the senior Elder of the Northcote Presbyterian Church. He was also a player/member of the Northcote Bowling Club where he to compete until in his 82nd year.

In 1907 his wife Margaret died after a long illness and was buried in Northcote Cemetery.

In 1912 the Northcote Council honoured his contributions to Council with an “At Home” celebration at the Northcote Town Hall. Numerous musical performances enhanced the night including a recital by Dorothy Grindrod entitled “How the chestnut horse came home.” A pair of bowls balls were given to McIntosh in gratitude for his many years of service.

He died on 13th August 1913 at his home in Separation Street, Northcote. 

Lemon, Andrew (1983). The Northcote Side of the River. North Melbourne: Hargreen.

(1912, September 14). Northcote Leader (Northcote, Vic. : 1882 - )

(1913, August 13). Northcote Leader (Northcote, Vic. : 1882 - )

Sands and McDougall’s Melbourne and Suburban Directory 1864- 1974. [Microfiche]. (1974). Melbourne, Australia: Sands & McDougall.

Swift, William George (1928). The history of Northcote: From its first settlement to a city. Northcote, Vic: Leader Publishing.