R. McLeod - Butcher

Roderick McLeod married Ann Watson and went into business (circa 1878 - mid 1880s) with her three brothers (Watson Bros.) for a few years, before dissolving that partnership and establishing his own business. When the Watsons and McLeod parted company, Roderick McLeod retained the three North Ipswich branches of the company and one at the intersection of East and South Streets. 

 The Watson brothers Samuel, John and Richard carried on in the butchering business  in Ipswich for many more years, known as Watson Bros.

In 1895 in North Ipswich, R. McLeod, Carcass & Family Butcher had 2 establishments– in Downs Street and The Terrace. The Terrace shop was located opposite the railway bridge. The business ran meat carts twice a week to homes in Pine Mountain, and daily to Mount Crosby, Booval, and Blackstone.

Roderick McLeod was instrumental in initiating the first butchers' picnic in Ipswich. It was held in Ashburn's paddock at Dinmore on 3 September 1889 and attended by several firms involved in the butchering industry. Employers would have given employees a holiday to attend. 

Roderick McLeod was mayor of Ipswich in 1898 and an alderman for 10 years.