William Keith Adam

William Keith Adam was the First Resident Magistrate of Katanning, the district was known as Williams District. He was born around 1860 and died on the 12th of January 1900 at sea. He did a lot to foster the interests of the settlers in the area. He was respected by all who knew him and was noted for his sound judgement. This information comes from the marble plaque outside the museum and from a letter written to the Society by his wife in June 1940. He had been on a trip to England and was on the return journey when he passed away. The ship he was on was the RMS Rome. The actual position was between Colombo and Fremantle, Lat 3° - 50' - 45" - S; Long 88° - 46' - 45" - E. The frame was made by Mr Adam's Brother-in-law (Late under Secretary of Lands) out of oak. Grown in Barrack Street corner of the Perth Government Gardens. The tree was cut down to make way for a drinking fountain which was also moved eventually to make way for the Alexander Forrest Memorial.