The first true European settler in modern Evandale was the Scottish mariner Captain Andrew Barclay, who was granted of land north of the present site of Evandale in 1816, and another 300 acres (121 ha) the next year. On this he built 'Trafalgar', originally a 4 roomed brick cottage and now the oldest surviving building in the region. In 1824, he built the now-demolished homestead of 'Cambock' on the village's outskirts, noted for its bell tower to warn workers of fire or impending attack from aborigines or bushrangers. Barclay continued acquiring land in the surrounding district and by 1828 was considered the largest owner of good land on the island. The names of roads like Barclay Street, Cambock Lane, and Trafalgar Lane mark his influence. He died in 1839.