A Pioneer Colonist of South Australia

His Life and Times (1808-1896)
And His Estate (1896-1975)

by E. Hasenohr

Published by the Author, 1977, [First Edition], ISBN 095966730, black and white photographic plates, black and white photographic frontispiece, hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, no inscriptions, dustjacket shows a little edge and shelf wear with some rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, a little chipping and small tears, rubbing to covers (see photographs)

“William Henry Gray came to South Australia in February 1837, at the age of 29.  The story of his varied activities during a long life in the colony, and the subsequent further development of his estate, span the greater part of South Australian history.
A glance at the chapter headings will give an idea of the scope of his involvement, of which this book furnishes both panorama and detail.
He helped Colonel Light burn kangaroo grass so that the survey of Adelaide could proceed more conveniently, built two of the city’s first cottages, acted for a time as Chief Constable, and opened up Gray Street to aid the development of his North Terrace – Hindley Street – Currie Street land.  He farmed the region, which is not West Beach, overlanded horses to the Victorian gold-diggings, became the inaugural officer of the Reedbeds Cavalry and was, for many years, chairman of the West Torrens District Council.  An early member of the Unitarian Church, he was also a member of the Show Society, suggesting the present system of September rather than February shows.