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George Ash (Australian politician) facts for kids

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George Ash (born September 19, 1859 – died February 23, 1897) was an important person in early South Australia. He worked as a newspaper editor, a lawyer, and a politician. He was known for fighting for fairness and helping people.

George was born near London, England. After school, he worked for a railway company. Later, he tried working for a law firm and a large warehouse. But he didn't enjoy these jobs much.

In 1877, George traveled to South Africa. He became a reporter for a newspaper called the Kaffrarian Watchman. He even volunteered in the Xhosa Wars to report on the conflict firsthand. This showed his dedication to journalism.

Newspaper Editor and Parliament Member

After South Africa, George moved to South Australia. He got a job with The Border Watch newspaper in Mount Gambier. Then, he was sent to Naracoorte to work on The Narracoorte Herald.

In 1880, George and J. B. Mather took over The Narracoorte Herald. They made it very successful. However, they lost everything in 1890. This happened after they were sued by William Hutchison. Hutchison was a wealthy landowner.

George had questioned if Hutchison should be a Justice of the Peace. This was because Hutchison had been involved in "dummying." Dummying was a trick where people pretended to be small farmers. They did this to get large areas of land unfairly. George had always spoken out against this practice.

Even though George lost the court case, many people supported him. Especially small farmers felt he was treated unfairly. Because of this support, George was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly. He represented the area of Albert from April 1890. He served until he became very ill.

George believed in free trade. He also supported Australia becoming one country (Federation). He strongly believed that men and women should have equal political rights.

Law Career and Public Service

Charles Kingston, a well-known lawyer, noticed George's work. Kingston offered George a job at his law firm, Kingston & Hall. George then studied law at the University of Adelaide. He was a brilliant student and earned his law degree quickly. After finishing his training, George became a partner in the law firm.

George Ash was a very hardworking politician. He often visited places that cared for people with mental health issues. He strongly argued for special facilities for children who needed extra support. His efforts helped create Minda Home, a place for children with disabilities.

George died on February 23, 1897, from a serious illness. Many important people, including Sir John Downer and S. J. Way, spoke highly of him. Even his old court opponent, J. H. Symon, paid tribute to him.

Today, Ash Place in the Canberra suburb of Gilmore is named in his honor.

Family Life

George Ash married Helen "Nellie" Malcolm around 1885. She was from Naracoorte. They had five children together. Their youngest child was born just a few weeks before George passed away.

After leaving Naracoorte around 1890, the family lived in Woodville and then Magill. Nellie later lived in Kensington Gardens.

  • Amy Adeline Ash (1885–1954) married Victor Leslie Illman on January 7, 1912.
  • Albert Amberley Ash (April 14, 1888 – January 26, 1961) married Ethel Minnie Grimshaw on August 9, 1913. He later married Eva Doris Mackay on July 7, 1945.
  • Annie Adelaide Ash (September 22, 1890 – July 21, 1985) married Alexander Roy Kelly on April 9, 1913.
  • Sergeant Arthur Addison Ash (August 2, 1892 – February 25, 1917) was injured in Gallipoli. He was sadly killed in action in France during World War I.
  • Corporal Leslie Emerson Ash (October 18, 1894 – ) married Dorothy Kathleen Stevens on March 22, 1918.

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