Background
James Steere was born on 4 July 1830 in Ockley, Surrey, England.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
James Steere
Edit ProfileEducation
He was educated at Clapham Grammar School.
Career
He became a midshipman in the merchant service and was at sea for fifteen years. His last position was commander of the Devonshire, well-known East Indiaman. Early in 1860, he emigrated to Western Australia and leased 100,000 acres (400 km²) of land in the southern part of the colony.
In 1880, he lost his seat by one vote but almost immediately became a nominee member.
He held this position for the remainder of his life. A good constitutional authority and an able Speaker, he was held in great respect by all parties in the house and by the public generally.
Personal life
They had 15 children, 11 of whom outlived him. Death
He died in Perth, Western Australia, on 1 December 1903, and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.
Artist Florence Fuller posthumously painted his portrait, which was acquired by the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Achievements
-
In 1867, he was one of the first elected members of the Western Australian Legislative Council, won his seat again in 1870, and was then chosen leader of the elected members. He was knighted in 1888, and created a Knight Commander of the Order of Street Michael and Street George (Knight Commander of the Order of Street Michael and Saint George) in the New Year Honours list January 1900.
Membership
He was made a member of the Executive Council in 1884 and two years later was elected Speaker. In 1890, he was elected a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly under responsible government and was unanimously elected Speaker. He represented Western Australia at the federal conventions of 1891 and 1897, and was a member of the constitutional committee on each occasion.
He was regarded as an able, upright and hardworking member of the community.
-
Born
-
Died
December 1, 1903 (aged 73) -
Nationality
Australian
Awards
-
Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later King George IV, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, King George III.The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later King George IV, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, King George III.