Lot 2775

Description

Bank of Van Diemen's Land, printed cheque forms signed by James Kelly, drawn on the bank to himself and others to two payees on his account, all are on different form types, dated 28 June 1830, 22 November 1833, 18 June 1836 and another 27 February 1837, forms un-numbered. Fine - very fine. (4)

James Kelly (1791-1859), sealer, pilot and harbourmaster, born in Parramatta, travelled extensively including some of discovery, including circumnaviation of VDL, and discovery of Port Davey and Macquarie Harbour. He was appointed as pilot and harbourmaster in on the Derwent in May 1819. However in 1829 he resigned his position as harbourmaster and later as pilot and became engaged in whaling and with additional land ownership, became an important citizen in Hobart. He suffered some personal and shipping losses in the 1830's the period of these cheque forms and by the 1840's with the depression his losses wer heavy forcing him to assign his property to creditors. He went back to work with the port authorities but died suddenly in April 1859. He was regarded as the 'father and founder of whaling in Tasmania'.