Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
MENU
Skip Navigation LinksHome Members Former Members

Former Member Details

Mr Thomas (1) WALKER (1804 - 1886)

Member Photo
Date of Birth: 03/05/1804
Place of Birth: Leith, Scotland
Date of Death: 02/09/1886
Place of Death: 'Yaralla', Concord, New South Wales, Australia
Parliamentary Service
Position Start End Period Notes
Member of the NSW Legislative Council 01 Jun 1843 31 Jul 1845 2 years 2 months An Elective Member of the first Legislative Council 1843 - 1856 for the District of Port Phillip
Political Party Activity
Community Activity
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.
Military Service
Honours Received
Membership of other Parliaments & Offices Held
Local Government Activity
Personal
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.
Additional Information
Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.