Anthony O'Grady Lefroy facts for kids
Anthony O'Grady Lefroy (born March 14, 1816 – died January 21, 1897) was a very important government official in Western Australia a long time ago. He worked for the government before Western Australia became more independent and could make its own laws. He was often known simply as O'Grady Lefroy.
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Who Was Anthony O'Grady Lefroy?
Early Life and Moving to Australia
Anthony O'Grady Lefroy was born in Limerick, Ireland, on March 14, 1816. He was the nephew of Thomas Langlois Lefroy, who was a very important judge in Ireland. Thomas Lefroy was also known for being a youthful love interest of the famous writer Jane Austen.
In 1842, when Anthony was 27 years old, he traveled by ship to Western Australia on a vessel called the Lady Grey.
Exploring and Farming
In 1847, Anthony and his brother Gerald Lefroy joined Alfred Durlacher on an exploration trip. They explored the area that is now known as Gingin.
Soon after, Anthony bought land in a place called Walebing. Here, he became a pastoralist, which means he raised livestock like sheep or cattle on a large farm. He continued this work until 1873, when he retired and let his son take over the farm.
A Career in Government
Helping the Governor
From 1843, and possibly until 1853, Anthony Lefroy worked as a private secretary for Governor Charles Fitzgerald. A private secretary is like a personal assistant who helps with important tasks and paperwork. He worked for the Governor again from 1854 to 1855.
In 1851, he also worked as a Clerk for the Executive and Legislative Councils. These councils were groups of people who helped the Governor make important decisions and create laws for the colony.
Managing the Colony's Money
In 1856, Anthony Lefroy was given a very important job: Colonial Treasurer. This meant he was in charge of all the money for the colony of Western Australia. He held this position for more than 30 years!
During this long time, he did spend some time in England. He was there in 1858, from 1863 to 1865, and again from 1868 to 1871.
Taking on More Roles
In July 1875, the main government administrator, Colonial Secretary Frederick Barlee, took a long break. Anthony Lefroy was chosen to be the acting Colonial Secretary, meaning he temporarily took over that important role.
In December of that same year, he became a member of the Western Australian Legislative Council. The next year, he became a Justice of the Peace, which meant he could perform some minor legal duties.
When Frederick Barlee moved to British Honduras in early 1877, Roger Goldsworthy became the new Colonial Secretary. Anthony Lefroy stopped being the acting Colonial Secretary and a member of the Legislative Council on August 30, 1877. The following year, he received an important award called the CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) for his public service.
Retirement and Legacy
End of a Long Career
Anthony O'Grady Lefroy's 30-year career as Colonial Treasurer ended on December 29, 1890. This was when John Forrest became Western Australia's first Premier. A Premier is the head of the government, similar to a Prime Minister.
Family and Future Leaders
After his long career, Lefroy retired to Perth. He passed away there on January 21, 1897. He was survived by his wife, Mary Bruce, whom he had been married to for 44 years, and their five children.
One of his sons was Henry Lefroy, who later became the 11th Premier of Western Australia, following in his father's footsteps of public service.
