Robert Lewis
Contents
Background
Robert Lewis was born in Wales, and arrived in Australia in 1853. He first dug for gold at Castlemaine, and was a partner in Roland and Lewis, lemonade, soda water and ginger beer merchants. [1]
Goldfields Involvement, 1854
Post 1854 Experiences
Lewis was a member of the Ballarat Council from 1859 to 1863, serving as Chairman in 1862 and Mayor in 1863. During the 1860s Lewis was Vice President of the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute. He was also a member of the Orphan Asylum, Benevolent Asylum, Hospital, Coursing Club and the Horticultural Society. He was residing in Sturt Street, Ballarat in the 1880s.[2]
Obituary
- SUDDEN DEATH OF MR.ROBERT LEWIS.(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT) BALLARAT, Saturday
- The community was shocked this morning upon the announcement of the sudden death of Mr Robert Lewis late of the well known firm of Rowlands and Lewis cordial manufacturers, which occurred at Lester's Hotel shortly before noon. Last night the deceased gentleman presided at the usual meeting of the Gas Company and afterwards attended the first annual demonstration of the Old Identities Association. He retired to rest at an early hour. About half past 8 this morning he was found lying on the door of his room and though medical aid was obtained within a few minutes he never regained consciousness. He was 70 years of age and an old colonist, his arrival on these diggings dating back to 1852. He took a prominent part in all local institutions. He and a few others called the first meeting to establish a hospital on the goldfield and besides acting on the committee from its inception, he was elected president four times. He was also a member of the Benevolent Asylum committee, and its president for a lengthened period. In 1864 he was returned to the Legislative Assembly tor Ballarat West beating Mr W.M.K. Vale by 140 votes. On the return of Mr W C Smith from England Mr Lewis resigned the seat in his favour. He was also chairman of the Ballarat Gas Company for many years and took an active part in religious matters as superintendent of Christ Church Sunday School. Upon the establishment of local government he was one of the first members of the borough council of Ballarat West and afterwards mayor of the city on three different occasions. He was particularly jealous of the dignity of the office of mayor and his liberality while he held that position was proverbial. He took great interest in musical matters and besides being a member of the Liedertafel was chairman of the Ballarat Eistedford. The funeral will take place on Monday at half past 3 p m immediately after the arrival of the 11 o clock train from Melbourne.[3]
See also
Further Reading
Corfield, J.,Wickham, D., & Gervasoni, C. The Eureka Encyclopaedia, Ballarat Heritage Services, 2004.
References
External links
File:File name.jpg
Caption, Reference.
