Mr Thomas (1) Walker (1804 - 1886)

Date of birth:

Thu 03 May 1804

Place of birth:

Leith, Scotland

Date of death:

Thu 02 September 1886

Place of death:

'Yaralla', Concord, New South Wales, Australia

Parliamentary activity

Information about members' parliamentary service including their positions held and biography.

Positions
PositionStartEndPeriodNotes
Member of the NSW Legislative Council Thu 01 June 1843Thu 31 July 18452 years 2 monthsAn Elective Member of the first Legislative Council 1843 - 1856 for the District of Port Phillip
Biography

Personal information

Elder son of James Thomas Walker, merchant, and his wife Anne Walker of Perth. Married Jane Hart in 1860 in Woolloomooloo and had issue, 1 daughter. Died in December 1870.

Qualifications, occupations and interests

Merchant banker and benefactor. Journeyed to Sydney and joined uncle in the firm of merchants, about 1822. At a later time succeeded to the business and became a Magistrate in 1835. In 1837 he rode overland with three friends to Melbourne. Journal was published anonymously in London in 1838. Purchased property in Melbourne and Port Phillip. Held squatting runs and laid the foundation of a large fortune. After election to the Legislative Council gave up politics to devote more time to his growing financial interests. Was a director of the Australian Steam Navigation Company and other companies and was a minor shareholder in the Bank of Australia when it crashed; left his fortune to his daughter who died unmarried.

Additional information

Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2

Back to top