Elder, Sir Thomas (1818-1897), an agricultural scientist and benefactor, invested in sheep stations in northern South Australia. He spent much money improving these properties, especially on water conservation. He contributed finances and camels for the inland expeditions in the late 1800's of the unmapped wilderness of central and Western Australia. In the 1860's, Elder donated more than 200,000 Australian dollars to the University of Adelaide. He was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. He died on March 6, 1897.