John Murdoch McClelland was born in July 1850 near Belfast, Ireland, and arrived in Queensland with his parents & siblings at an early age. His parents were John & Elizabeth McClelland (nee Stewart), & siblings Henry, William & Anna.
Soon after the family's arrival, John's father selected property near Bell, known as "Belmont", and for a number of years carried on the business of sheep and horse breeding under the title of John McClelland and Sons. They specialised in breeding black coach horses for which they found a ready demand in Brisbane, and the "Belmont" horses were well known there.
After the death of John's father in 1899, & following his burial in the historic Jimbour Cemetery, "Belmont" was worked by John and his brother William until they dissolved the partnership and divided the property in 1902.
John remained on "Belmont", and William on the the newly created "Cedar Vale", where they both devoted themselves to raising cattle.
John married Christina Nicholson in 1883, and together they raised four children.
John & Christina remained at "Belmont" for the rest of their lives.
