Edward Stirling (politician)

Edward Stirling (1804 – 2 February 1873) was an early settler of South Australia and the father of the noted scientist Edward Charles Stirling (1848–1919)

Edward emigrated to South Australia around 1840 with his cousin Charles Stirling.

He married Harriett Taylor in 1847; they settled at Strathalbyn, South Australia, and at their home "The Lodge", their eldest son Edward Charles Stirling was born.

He and Grote tried sheep farming in the South-East, with little success, and brought the remaining flock to Lake Alexandrina.

He was, with Thomas Elder, a partner in Elder Stirling and Company before that firm became Elder Smith and Company, which proved profitable.

He speculated, with some success, in the Moonta and Wallaroo mines. He was Director of the South Australian Banking Company from April, 1859, to the end of 1864. In 1865 he and Harriett and two sons John and Archibald and three daughters returned to England, where he joined the London Court of Directors, of which he was Chairman at the time of his death.

In September 1855 he contested the seat of Hindmarsh, without success, but was almost immediately appointed as nominated member to the 1855 Legislative Council, and was an elected member of the 1857 Legislative Council. While parliament was in session the family lived at Urrbrae, which he rented from Alexander MacGeorge.

He was a patron of the Strathalbyn Presbyterian Church, and around 1860, before leaving the State for England presented that church with a bell-tower.

He and his brother-in-law John Taylor were friends of Catherine Helen Spence.

He married Harriett Taylor on 4 August 1847. Among their children were:

...
Wikipedia