Lot 2113

Description

Van Diemen's Land, cheques, Derwent Bank, 26 Feb 1820 for ten pounds; 9 Feb 1837 for three pounds twelve shillings; 27 Feb 1841 for six pounds three shillings and sixpence, this cheque payable to Mr W G Elliston and endorsed 'Wm Gore Elliston' on the back by him. The last with small spike hole and two pin holes, otherwise all three very fine. (3)

William Gore Elliston was born at Bath, England on 17 October 1798. He emigrated to Australia with his younger brother, Edmund, reaching Hobart Town on board the Chatham in January 1830 bringing recommendations from the Colonial Office. The brothers opened a store and spirit warehouse at Bagdad, later transferring the business to Hobart. William also took out a licence as an auctioneer after his brother returned to England in 1831. In early 1833 William took over Reverand Richard B Claiborne's Grammar School at Longford renaming it the Longford Hall Academy. Many prominent colonists sent their sons to the school. William continued as headmaster until 1837 when he purchased the Hobart Town Courier's printing, book-binding and stationary business, and the contract as Government printer. In 1837 and 1838 he published the Hobart Town Almanack and Van Diemen's Land Annual. He continued as editor of the Courier until 1848 and was very outspoken against the policy of transportation thus incurring the displeasure of the Government. In 1846 William Elliston was a Commissioner of the city of Hobart and in 1855 its second Mayor. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in November 1849 and nominated to the Legislative Council in 1855. In the late 1850s he retired to his property, Brighton Lodge. In 1859 he was the Stipendiary Magistrate for his local area and Deputy Commissioner of the Court of Requests. After returning from a vist to England he was appointed Usher of the Black Rod in July 1869. He died on 4 December 1872.