Career
The Wedges imported sheep and a saw mill into the Van Diemen’s Land colony. Mr Wedge obtained a 2,000 acre (8 km²) grant, which he called Forton, but at first he tried to establish the saw mill at Oyster Cove, just south of Hobart Town. The mill was not a success financially, and was eventually abandoned at a loss of £2,000.
He then turned to agricultural pursuits, and established Forton with the assistance of convict labour.
In May 1852 the Werribee River flooded and the Wedge house was engulfed. The family was forced onto the roof, which collapsed during the night, and the family was washed away.