Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Mackenzie, Eneas
MACKENZIE, ENEAS (1776–1832), topographer, was born in 1778 in Aberdeenshire, whence his parents removed to Newcastle-upon-Tyne when he was only three years old. After working with his father as a shoemaker, he became a baptist minister, and subsequently made an unsuccessful attempt to establish himself in business as a broker at Sunderland. Returning to Newcastle he opened a school, which he abandoned for his final occupation as a printer and publisher. He was chiefly instrumental in founding the Mechanics' Institution in Newcastle, where his bust is preserved. He was a liberal in politics, and one of the secretaries of the Northern Political Union. He died at Newcastle on 21 Feb. 1832. His works are : 1. 'An Historical, Topographical, and Descriptive View of the United States of America, and of Upper and Lower Canada,' Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1820 (?), 8vo. 2. 'An Historical, Topographical, and Descriptive View of the County of Northumberland, and of those parts of the County of Durham north of the River Tyne, with Berwick-upon-Tweed, and brief Notices of celebrated places on the Scottish Border,' 2nd edit, enlarged, 2 vols. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1825, 4to. 3. 'A Descriptive and Historical Account of the Town and County of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, including the Borough of Gateshead,' 2 vols. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1827, 4to. 4. ' An Historical, Topographical, and Descriptive View of the County Palatine of Durham,' 2 vols. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1834, 4to. This work, left unfinished at Mackenzie's death, was completed by M. Ross. His portrait has been engraved.
[Richardson's Table-Book, historical division, iv. 112; Anderson's Book of English Topography.]