Alexander Tolmer facts for kids
Alexander Tolmer (1815 – 7 March 1890) was an important police officer and leader in South Australia. He was born in 1815 and grew up in places like Plymouth and Rouen. In 1840, he moved to South Australia and quickly became a sub-inspector in the police force.
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Early Life and Police Work
Alexander Tolmer received his education in several places, including Plymouth in England and Rouen in France. He also studied in Maidstone and Hawkhurst.
In 1840, Tolmer decided to move to South Australia. Soon after arriving, he was made a sub-inspector by Governor George Gawler. This was an important role in the early days of the colony.
Notable Missions
- The Coorong Expedition: In August 1840, Tolmer was part of a police group sent to the Coorong area. They were searching for people involved in a sad event where shipwreck survivors from the ship Maria had been attacked.
- Searching for Charles Dutton: In 1842, Tolmer helped search for Charles Christian Dutton and his droving party. They were thought to have been attacked while traveling from Port Lincoln to Adelaide. Sadly, no trace of them was ever found.
- Norwood Resident: By 1847, Police Inspector Alexander Tolmer was one of the first people to live in the new village of Norwood, South Australia.
Becoming Police Commissioner
After working in the police force for some time, Alexander Tolmer was officially made Commissioner of Police on 3 January 1852. He took over from George Dashwood.
The Gold Escort
One of Tolmer's most famous achievements was creating the Gold Escort route. This route connected the goldfields near Mount Alexander in Victoria to Adelaide.
- First Escort: The first Gold Escort arrived in Adelaide on 20 March 1852. It carried about 270 kilograms (600 pounds) of gold.
- Second Escort: A second escort arrived on 4 May 1852, bringing even more gold, about 735 kilograms (1,620 pounds).
- Mail Service: The escorts also carried mail. This allowed gold miners to send letters to their families in Adelaide.
- Establishing Bordertown: Tolmer also helped to set up the town of Bordertown. This town was important for the Gold Escort route.
The Gold Escort was very important for South Australia. It helped the colony avoid a financial crisis by bringing in valuable gold.
Challenges and Later Life
During his time as Commissioner, Tolmer faced some challenges. There were disagreements within the police force. In November 1853, after a review of the police force, Tolmer was moved to a different role as Chief Inspector.
End of Service
In 1856, Alexander Tolmer's time with the police force ended. Many people supported him, and a meeting was held to send a letter of protest to Governor MacDonnell.
His Book
In 1882, Tolmer published a book called Reminiscences of an Adventurous and Chequered Career at Home and at The Antipodes. This book shared stories from his life. It is available in two parts online.
Legacy and Recognition
Even with the challenges he faced, Alexander Tolmer's work was very important for South Australia.
- Saving the Economy: His idea and hard work with the overland Gold Escort helped save South Australia from a difficult economic time. This earned him respect from many people.
- Law and Order: He worked hard to maintain law and order in the young colony for a long time.
- Police Reforms: As Police Commissioner, he brought in important changes and new ideas to the police service.
- Public Recognition: He is recognized with a special plaque on the Jubilee 150 Walkway in North Terrace, Adelaide.
Alexander Tolmer passed away in 1890 and was buried at the Mitcham Cemetery. His son, Alexander H. D. Tolmer, also became an explorer and manager of Arkaba Station.
