William Forster

Colonial Treasurer   9.2.1875 - 7.2.1876
(Robertson Ministry No.15  9.2.1875 - 21.3.1877)

Born Madras, India,16 October 1818. Son of Thomas, army surgeon, and Eliza Blaxland of NSW.

Educated in India, Wales, and Ireland before travelling to Sydney in 1829.  Attended WT Cape’s and the King’s School. 

Pastoralist in the Port Phillip, New England and Moreton Bay Districts.  Man of letters and poet ‘near the front rank of nineteenth-century Australian literature he proved to be one of the most erudite and literate of the squatters.’ 

For a short time magistrate and lawyer, and ‘the boldest, frankest, least selfish and most honorable man who has ever taken part in our public life.’  ‘A man of great ability, a man of culture, a man who could and did make himself heard on every question affecting the public welfare of the colony... a bright ornament during the time he held office as Colonial Treasurer... great powers of mind the immense ability which he brought to bear onall subjects which came under his notice’ (Stuart L.A.). 

Forster represented Murray and St Vincent in 1856-1859, later holding seven different seats, becoming Premier in October 1859. 

His individuality rendered him ‘disagreeable as an opponent, dangerous as a supporter, but fatal as a colleague.’  

As Treasurer he travelled to London in October 1875 to rectify financial problems. Acting Agent-General 1876-1879. 

William Forster was respected, feared and hated, described as ‘the boldest, frankest, least selfish and most honourable man who has ever taken part in our public life.’ 

Married Eliza Jane Wall Parramatta on 8 April 1846, two sons and six daughters before her death in 1862. Married Maud Julia Edwards at Armidale on 8 November 1873, that union producing three sons and two daughters

Died 30 October 1882, Edgecliffe, buried St Anne’s, Ryde. His estate was sworn at £30,000.