Francis Joseph Botting (1819 – 10 July 1906), generally known as F. J. Botting was an auctioneer in Adelaide, South Australia, who became an owner of several important hotels and breweries. His son, Frank South Botting (c. 1849 – 12 November 1894), was a partner.
Francis Joseph Botting was born in London and trained as a builder. He emigrated to South Australia aboard Buckinghamshire arriving in March 1839. He joined with his brother Frederick Henry Botting (c. 1810 – 1873) in constructing some of Adelaide's earliest buildings, including a merchant's office and warehouse, which later became the Blenheim Hotel, and the first wharf and wharf building in Port Adelaide, under architect Prescott.The two brothers lived on the islands of Spencer's Gulf 1844–1846 during the financial slump.
In May 1856 Botting joined Wicksteed, Townsend & Co., auctioneers, (John Bentham Neales, Frederic Wicksteed and William Townsend), which became Wicksteed, Botting, Townsend & Co., then Townsend, Wicksteed & Kay with just those two and William Kay.[1] Kay dropped out of the partnership in 1869, then the firm of Townsend, Botting & Co. was dissolved in August 1880, and all assets liquidated; Botting continuing with the business with the assistance of his son-in-law G. E. C. Stevens.[2]
In 1874 Frank Botting and Frederick Estcourt Bucknall purchased the brewing and hotel-owning firm of Haussen & Co. from Henry Haussen's widow, retaining the name Haussen & Co. Bucknall lost most of his fortune with the failure of the Commercial Bank of South Australia in 1886, and Botting and his father took over the business.Frank Botting died in November 1894, and his father became sole proprietor.At some stage the Bottings acquired the Pier Hotel, Glenelg and the Family Hotel, Glenelg.[3]
Botting died at his home on Kensington Terrace, Kensington. His remains were interred at the West Terrace Cemetery.[5]
Francis Joseph Botting (1819 – 10 July 1906) married the widow Delia Sophia South (c. 1924 – 21 December 1894) in 1846. She also arrived aboard Buckinghamshire with daughters Mary Ann South, Sarah Elizabeth South (who died shortly after arrival) and brothers Henry James South and Thomas South with his wife Dorothy. They had a home on Kensington Terrace, Kensington.
His brother Frederick Henry Botting (c. 1810 – 31 January 1873), whose first wife died shortly after arrival, married Jane Stephens (c. 1823 – 2 October 1893) in 1846. Jane arrived in South Australia aboard John Renwick in 1837. They had one son: