William McGarvie facts for kids
William McGarvie (born 1810, died 1841) was an important person from Scotland who became a bookseller and newspaper owner in Australia. He helped start one of Australia's most famous newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald.
Contents
William McGarvie: A Pioneer in Australian News
William McGarvie was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1810. When he was young, he worked at a newspaper called the Glasgow Herald. This job gave him early experience in the world of news and printing.
Moving to a New Land
In 1828, William decided to move to New South Wales, Australia. He traveled on a ship called the Comet to join his brother, John McGarvie, who was already living there. After arriving, William started his own business called the 'Australian Stationery Warehouse'. This was a place where people could buy paper, pens, and other supplies.
Starting a Famous Newspaper
William McGarvie had a big idea in 1831. He teamed up with two people who used to work at another newspaper, the Sydney Gazette. Their names were Frederick Stokes and Alfred Ward Stephens. Together, they brought a printing press to Australia.
On April 18, 1831, they published the very first edition of their new newspaper, which they called the Sydney Herald. This newspaper later became known as The Sydney Morning Herald, which is still a major newspaper in Australia today! Soon after starting it, William McGarvie sold his share of the newspaper to his two partners.
Later Life and Family
After selling his part of the newspaper, William McGarvie took a short trip back to Scotland. When he returned to Australia, he went back to his bookselling business at the Australian Warehouse.
Sadly, William McGarvie caught a bad cold and passed away in Sydney in 1841. He was only 31 years old. He left behind his wife, Isabella, and their baby son, who was just three weeks old. Isabella later remarried. Her second husband was Dr. Frederick Mackellar. Their son, Charles Mackellar, grew up to be an important person, and his daughter was the famous Australian poet, Dorothea Mackellar. So, William McGarvie is part of the family history of a well-known poet!
