William Weston (Australian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Weston
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 3rd Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 25 April 1857 – 12 May 1857 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Gregson |
| Succeeded by | Francis Smith |
| In office 1 November 1860 – 2 August 1861 |
|
| Preceded by | Francis Smith |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Chapman |
| Member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council for Longford | |
| In office 1857–1861 |
|
| Preceded by | Robert Kermode |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Archer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 November 1804 Shoreditch, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 21 February 1888 (aged 83) St Kilda, Victoria |
| Nationality |  British |
William Pritchard Weston (born November 28, 1804 – died February 21, 1888) was an important leader in Tasmania. He served two times as the Premier of Tasmania, which is like being the head of the government. He played a key role in the early days of Tasmania's self-governance.
Contents
William Weston: Early Life and Move to Tasmania
William Weston was born in Shoreditch, England, in 1804. His father, John Weston, was a surgeon. William went to school in Brighton and then worked for several years in business, dealing with wool and in a merchant's office.
In 1823, when he was 19, Weston moved to Tasmania. He sailed on a ship called the Adrian. On the same ship was George Arthur, who was becoming the new lieutenant-governor of Van Diemen's Land (which is what Tasmania was called back then).
Starting a New Life in Van Diemen's Land
Weston had more than £3000, which was a lot of money at the time. He also had a special letter from a friend who worked for the government in England. He had planned to go to Sydney, but when his ship stopped in Hobart, he decided to stay in Van Diemen's Land.
On the ship, he met Captain William Clark. In 1826, William Weston married Captain Clark's daughter, Ann. They got married at the Clark family's property called 'Cluny' in Bothwell.
Weston lived in Bothwell for several years. He helped two brothers, Horace and Charles Rowcroft, with their work. Charles Rowcroft even wrote about Weston in his book Tales of the Colonies. Later, Weston bought a large property near Longford, where he lived for many years. He also received a land grant of 2500 acres (about 10 square kilometers).
In Longford, Weston built a beautiful two-story house called 'Hythe'. It was built in the Regency style, which was popular for its elegant design. Construction started in 1831 and finished in 1834. William and Ann had eight children, but sadly, their oldest child died when they were very young.
William Weston's Public Service in Tasmania
William Weston became a magistrate, which meant he was a local official who could enforce laws and hear minor cases. He worked closely with Reverend John West to help create the Anti-Transportation League.
Fighting Against Transportation
The Anti-Transportation League was a group that worked to stop Britain from sending convicts to Tasmania. Between 1849 and 1853, this group was very successful in their goal. Weston played a big part in this important movement.
In 1856, Weston was elected to the new parliament in Tasmania. He represented the electoral district of Ringwood.
Becoming Premier of Tasmania
Weston served as Premier for a short time from April 25, 1857, to May 12, 1857. Soon after, he left his seat in the Tasmanian House of Assembly. He then took a new position in the Tasmanian Legislative Council, representing Longford.
He became Premier again on November 1, 1860, and served until August 2, 1861.
Later Life and Legacy
In the 1860s, William Weston had to leave the Tasmanian Parliament because of poor health. He later moved to Victoria, another state in Australia. He passed away in St Kilda in 1888.
He was survived by one son and five daughters. His oldest son, Edward, inherited the 'Hythe' property in Longford. His second son, Maurice, inherited the 'Cluny' property in Bothwell from his grandfather, Captain Clark.
