Career
He was in the War Office in England for seven years before emigrating in 1819 on the Regalia, the first passenger ship, to Van Diemen"s Land where he filled a number of roles in government. Before emigrating he worked at the War Office in England for seven years. On arrival, he received 1600 acres, with a larger lot at Ross and two smaller parcels of land near Hobart.
From 1821 to 1824 he was clerk to the bench of magistrates and later inspector of distilleries and breweries, then chief clerk in the colonial secretary"s office and editor of the Hobart Town Gazette.
Following the construction of "Beauly Lodge" at New Town, he misappropriated fees collected by his office, a board of inquiry ordered repayment but exonerated him from deliberate dishonesty. His financial situation further deteriorated despite career advancement, in 1833 he was appointed clerk of the peace and registrar of the Court of Requests, he misappropriated further funds from wine and spirit licences and was dismissed from office.
After this he set up as a general agent, amanuensis, and debt collector and appealed unsuccessfully to the Colonial Office. In 1843 he commenced as schoolmaster at the Back River school near New Norfolk.
He was the eldest son of Henry James Emmett of London and Grace West, née Taylor.
He had worked under Viscount Palmerston at the War Office who provided a settler"s letter of recommendation.
