Background
Benjamin Backhouse was born in England.
Benjamin Backhouse was born in England.
He was a Bachelor of Arts and was educated as an architect.
He soon made a name for himself as an architect, and two months after his arrival succeeded in winning a hundred-guinea prize for the best design for a stock exchange for that city. Some eight years later he returned to England, and remained for a year, and then came out to Queensland. He carried on his profession for eight years, and designed some of the principal buildings in Brisbane.
He was also an alderman of the Brisbane Municipal Council.
Foreign the past 35 years Backhouse resided in New South Wales. His professional skill was recognised by his election for 12 years as the chairman of the City of Sydney Improvement Board.
In August, 1895, he was appointed to a seat in the New South Wales Legislative Council, which he retained until his death. Although not a union official or a Labour candidate, his sympathies were at all times with the workers.
He also identified himself with the Pitt Town Settlement, and was chairman of the board of control to look after the affairs of the settlement.
Backhouse made several trips to England. Benjamin Backhouse died of heart failure at his residence, Ardath, Queen"s-avenue, Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, on 29 July 1904. He was twice married, and left a widow and grown-up family, numbering 11.
The sons are his Honor Judge Alfred Paxton Backhouse, and Messrs.
Ernest, Clarence, Frank, Clive, Maurice, and Oscar Backhouse. In deference to his wishes, a private funeral was held.
He was a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council.