George Family

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c. 1900

Subcollections

Overview

George family group central in field with small shrubs in foreground, trees and bushland in background. Fence in background to the right, part of water tower can just be seen on the extreme right. William George at back in suit and hat with flower on lapel. Also in back row two boys in sailor suits, one man in suit, tie and hat, one woman in dress with bustle, both standing. Elinor George seated in front row in dress and sun hat. Also seated in front row one man in suit and hat with fob watch and one woman in dress and sun hat with baby in a dress on her lap.

Historical information

William James George. Born 26/01/1853 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England. Died 10/03/1931. Studied mechanical engineering at the Midland Institute in Birmingham. Came to Australia in 1885, and worked in Victoria and Tasmania until moving to Western Australia in 1890. Managed Jarrahdale timber station for four years before going into partnership and founding the Black Swan Foundry (he was later to own four foundries, including the Black Swan). Elected to Perth City Council in 1894 and the following year entered state parliament as the member for Murray-Wellington. In 1902 became the Commissioner for Railways and remained at that post for five years. Returned to parliament as the member for Murray in 1909. He was the first president of the Chamber of Manufacturers and in 1895 was made a Justice of the Peace initially for the Perth and Murray districts, but in 1902 for the whole state. Appointed minister for Works in the Wilson Government of 1916, later became the Minister for Water Supply until the accession of the 1921 Collier Labour government. Given the honour of Commander of St. Michael and St. George in 1921. He was Minister of Public Works, Water Supply Drainage, and Trading Concerns in the Mitchell Government until its defeat in 1924

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-28--6-279-

Item type

Photographs

Themes

Social History

Year

c. 1900

Links to additional resources

Claremont Museum.