William Walker (New South Wales colonial politician) explained

William Benjamin Walker (1820 – 9 January 1889) was a politician, merchant, pastoralist and yachtsman from New South Wales, Australia.

Walker was the second son of William Walker, a prominent merchant in early colonial Australia.

Walker was originally a pastoralist, operating a series of stations in the Bega region, based out of the Kamarooka Estate.^{[1] [2]} He was later a merchant in Sydney, operating the firm of William Walker & Co.^[3] He built and lived in the Redleaf mansion at Double Bay, which he named after his parents' house in England.^{[4] [5]} The property survives, and now serves as the council chambers for the Municipality of Woollahra.^{[6] [7]} He served in the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1863 until his resignation in 1867.^[8] He was involved in the establishment of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in 1863, and served as its Commodore until resigning in 1867; he was reportedly departing permanently for England.^{[9] [10] [11] [12]} In 1870, he was reported to have been cruising the Mediterranean and to be preparing for the racing season in England.^[13] He had also been president of the Anniversary Regatta Committee.^{[14] [15]}

He was married to Corentia (née Browne), sister of Rolf Boldrewood.^[5] Their second son, Cecil, died in the shipwreck of the Avalanche off Portland in 1877.^[1]

Walker died in .^[16]

Notes and References

1. News: Family Notices. . . Sydney . 24 November 1877 . 31 October 2015 . 41 . Trove.
2. News: Sylvester Browne family . . NSW . 24 December 1938 . 31 October 2015 . 3 . Trove.
3. Web site: Community and Environment Committee . Woollahra Municipal Council. 26 July 2010 . 31 October 2015.
4. News: Famous home will become new social rendezvous. . . 23 November 1940 . 31 October 2015 . 7 . Trove.
5. Web site: Cockshott, Constance (1837–1919) . Obituaries Australia . 31 October 2015.
6. Web site: Present Council Chambers . Municipality of Woollahra . 31 October 2015.
7. 5 January 2021.
8. News: Mr William Walker has resigned from the Legislative Council . . 1 May 1867 . 31 October 2015 . 5 . Trove.
9. News: Aquatics . . NSW . 13 April 1867 . 31 October 2015 . 3 . Trove.
10. News: Retrospect . . 16 May 1867 . 31 October 2015 . 1 . Trove.
11. News: Summary of the monthly news . . 21 July 1863 . 31 October 2015 . 5 . Trove.
12. News: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron . . 15 April 1867 . 31 October 2015 . 5 . Trove.
13. News: Aquatics . . NSW . 18 June 1870 . 31 October 2015 . 2 . Trove.
14. News: Advertising . . Sydney . 16 January 1864 . 31 October 2015 . 1 . Trove.
15. 202 . Mr William Walker . Yes . 12 April 2019.
16. News: Will of Mr William Benjamin Walker . . 10 May 1889 . 5 January 2021 . 7 . Trove.