Who was George Gawler and what was his primary role in South Australia?

George Gawler was the second Governor of South Australia and also served as the Resident Commissioner. He held these positions concurrently from October 17, 1838, to May 15, 1841. His governorship followed that of Captain John Hindmarsh.

What military background did George Gawler possess before his governorship?

George Gawler had a distinguished military career in the British Army. He obtained his commission as an ensign in the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot in 1810 and served in the Peninsular War, where he was wounded at the Siege of Badajoz. He later fought in the Battle of Waterloo and remained with the army of occupation in France until 1818. He retired from the army in 1850 with the rank of Colonel.

When was George Gawler born and when did he die?

George Gawler was born on July 21, 1795, and he died on May 7, 1869. He lived to be 73 years old. His death occurred in Southsea, and he was buried in Portsmouth.

What were the circumstances of George Gawler's father's death?

George Gawler's father, Captain Samuel Gawler, was a captain in the 73rd Regiment of Foot. He was killed in battle in Mysore, India, in December 1804, when George was still a child.

Describe George Gawler's education prior to his military service.

Before entering military service, George Gawler received his early education from a tutor and then attended a school in Cold Bath, Islington. Subsequently, he spent two years at the Royal Military College in Great Marlow, where he was noted as a diligent and clever student.

What significant event occurred during Gawler's service at the Siege of Badajoz?

During the Siege of Badajoz in the Peninsular War, George Gawler was part of a storming party. He was wounded during the assault and was saved from death by a fellow soldier, who tragically lost his own life in the process.

What major battle did George Gawler participate in after the Peninsular War?

After returning to England from the Peninsular War, George Gawler, by then a lieutenant, fought in the significant Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This battle marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Who was George Gawler's wife, and what was her familial connection to another officer?

George Gawler married Maria Cox of Friar Gate, Derby, in 1820. Maria Cox was the niece of Samuel Richardson. Additionally, Gawler's sister-in-law, Mary Ann Cox, married William Leeke, who was a fellow officer in Gawler's regiment, the 52nd.

What notable social and religious work did the Gawlers undertake in New Brunswick?

When the 52nd Regiment was stationed in New Brunswick, Canada, starting in 1823, George Gawler and his wife Maria were deeply involved in social and religious activities. They dedicated themselves to charitable work and community support during their time there.

What honor did George Gawler receive in 1837?

In 1837, George Gawler was awarded the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order (KH), third class. This was a military order of knighthood of the Kingdom of Hanover.

What was the state of the South Australian colony when Governor Gawler arrived in October 1838?

Upon his arrival in South Australia on October 12, 1838, Governor Gawler found the colony in a precarious state. There were virtually no public finances, officials were underpaid, and approximately 4,000 immigrants were living in temporary, makeshift accommodations. The colony was facing significant financial and logistical challenges.

What was Governor Gawler's initial priority upon taking office?

Governor Gawler's primary objective was to address the significant delays and issues surrounding rural settlement and the development of primary production within the colony. He recognized the importance of establishing a stable agricultural base for the colony's future.

How did Gawler address the need for surveying and land management in South Australia?

To expedite land surveys, Gawler persuaded Charles Sturt, who was in New South Wales, to come to South Australia as surveyor-general. In the interim, Gawler personally oversaw survey work, as the previous surveyor-general, Colonel William Light, had resigned due to ill health and the overwhelming demands placed upon him with insufficient staff.

What administrative and infrastructural improvements did Gawler implement?

Governor Gawler significantly increased and reorganized the fledgling South Australia Police force, promoting its commander Henry Inman. He also appointed additional colonial officials, participated in exploration efforts, and improved the facilities at Port Adelaide. Furthermore, the first permanent Government House was constructed during his tenure, which now forms the East Wing of the current building.

What economic challenges did South Australia face during Gawler's governorship?

The colony faced severe economic challenges. The sale of land, the primary revenue source for the South Australian Company, had drastically decreased due to surveying delays in 1838. The rapid influx of immigrants in 1839 and 1840 exacerbated unemployment, and droughts in other Australian colonies in 1840 drove up the cost of living, especially as South Australia was not yet self-sufficient in food production.

How did Gawler attempt to mitigate the economic crisis, and what were the consequences?

To prevent the colony's collapse amidst rising unemployment and living costs, Gawler increased public expenditure. However, this led to the colony's bankruptcy and necessitated changes in its administration. Over £200,000 was spent, exhausting the land fund in London.

Who replaced Governor Gawler, and what was the condition of his replacement's appointment?

Captain George Grey was sent to replace Governor Gawler. Grey's appointment was contingent on his promise to 'maintain the strictest economy' in the administration of the colony, reflecting the British government's concern over Gawler's high spending.

What was the long-term economic impact of Gawler's administration and subsequent events?

While Governor Grey worked to restore public confidence and make South Australia agriculturally self-sufficient, the true economic salvation of the colony may have been the discovery of copper at Burra in 1845. This discovery provided a significant new source of wealth and stability.

What activities did George Gawler pursue after his retirement as governor?

Following his retirement as governor in 1841, George Gawler dedicated his time to religious and charitable works. He remained committed to community service and philanthropic endeavors.

What significant proposal did Gawler make in his 1845 memorandum regarding Palestine?

In his 1845 memorandum titled 'The Tranquillization of Syria and the East,' George Gawler proposed that Jews be permitted to establish agricultural settlements in Palestine. He suggested this as compensation for the hardships they had endured under Turkish rule.

What was Gawler's involvement with Moses Montefiore and his views on Jewish settlement?

George Gawler published 'The Emancipation of the Jews' in 1847, following up on his earlier proposals. In 1849, he toured Palestine alongside Moses Montefiore, a prominent Jewish philanthropist. Gawler further elaborated on his ideas in his 1853 work, 'Syria and its Near Prospects,' arguing that Jewish settlement in the region was already underway.

What did Gawler claim in his 1850 publication regarding his governorship?

In his 1850 publication, 'Present State of Moral Principle in the Supreme Government of the British Colonial Empire,' Gawler petitioned the Queen. He sought redress for perceived injustices by successive secretaries of state and asserted that South Australia was 'the only cheap and brilliantly successful new colony in modern history' due to his efforts, accusing George Grey of dishonesty.

How was George Gawler's legacy initially perceived, and what factors contributed to this perception?

George Gawler's work was initially misjudged, largely because his successor, George Grey, presented a negative portrayal of his predecessor's actions in his official dispatches. Grey's reports often failed to acknowledge the significant difficulties Gawler faced during his governorship.

What positive assessments of Gawler's administration exist?

Despite criticisms, Charles Sturt and other contemporaries generally agreed that Gawler's administration greatly benefited the settlement. A select committee on South Australia also noted that critics of his expenditure could not identify specific areas where costs could have been substantially reduced without causing significant public inconvenience. Many modern historians consider him among the founders of South Australia.

What specific public works were undertaken during Gawler's governorship?

Much of Gawler's expenditure was directed towards works that provided both immediate and long-lasting benefits to the Colony and the State. An example cited is the construction of the Great Eastern Road, which was crucial for transportation and development.

What geographical locations were named in honor of George Gawler?

Several places were named after George Gawler, reflecting his significance. These include the town of Gawler, the adjoining Gawler River in South Australia, and the Gawler Ranges located at the northern end of Eyre Peninsula, which were named by explorer Edward John Eyre in 1839.

What event in 1840 negatively impacted Gawler's reputation?

George Gawler's reputation was somewhat tarnished by his involvement in the Maria massacre, which occurred in 1840. This incident involved the killing of Aboriginal people by the crew of the brigantine Maria.

What contributions did Gawler make to the Derby Museum and Art Gallery?

During his time, George Gawler was listed as a principal benefactor of Derby's Town and County Museum. He contributed a collection of minerals and exotic stuffed birds, including an albatross he acquired during his governorship in South Australia.

What role did Gawler's gardener play in botanical contributions?

Gawler's gardener in Australia, Joseph Whittaker, made significant contributions to botany. He collected and sent hundreds of pressed flowers and plants to both the Derby Museum and Kew Gardens, aiding in the documentation and study of Australian flora.

Where are portraits of George Gawler displayed?

Portraits of George Gawler are displayed in prominent locations in Adelaide, South Australia. One hangs in Parliament House, Adelaide, and another is located in the City Council Chamber, Adelaide.

Who was Julia Gawler, and what was her connection to her father's administration?

Julia Gawler, born in 1824, was George Gawler's daughter and an accomplished artist. She married George Hall on September 21, 1847. Hall had served as Governor of Parkhurst Prison and was also George Gawler's private secretary during his time in South Australia.

What career path did Gawler's eldest surviving son, Henry, pursue?

Henry Gawler, George Gawler's eldest surviving son, returned to South Australia in 1858. He established a career as a solicitor and worked in the South Australian Land Titles Office from 1858 until 1884.

What was the nature of the 'Maria massacre' in 1840?

The Maria massacre was an incident in 1840 where the crew of the brigantine Maria killed numerous Aboriginal people. George Gawler's reputation was affected by his involvement or the colony's response to this event.

What was the significance of the 'Great Eastern Road' mentioned in relation to Gawler's legacy?

The Great Eastern Road was a significant public works project undertaken during or influenced by Gawler's administration. Its construction provided essential infrastructure for the colony, facilitating transportation and development, and is considered one of the lasting benefits of the expenditure during his tenure.

What military service details are provided for Colonel George Gawler?

Colonel George Gawler served in the British Army from 1810 to 1850. His service included participation in the Napoleonic Wars, specifically the Peninsular War and the Hundred Days campaign, culminating in the Battle of Waterloo. He received the Military General Service Medal for his service.

Who were the monarchs during George Gawler's service as Governor of South Australia?

During George Gawler's term as Governor of South Australia from 1838 to 1841, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom was Queen Victoria. She ascended to the throne in 1837.

What was the official title and term of George Gawler's governorship?

George Gawler served as the 2nd Governor of South Australia. His term in office officially began on October 17, 1838, and concluded on May 15, 1841.

What was the role of the Resident Commissioner in South Australia during Gawler's time?

George Gawler concurrently served as Resident Commissioner, taking over this role from James Hurtle Fisher. This position likely involved overseeing specific administrative or financial aspects of the colony in conjunction with his gubernatorial duties.

What were the key battles and campaigns George Gawler participated in during his military career?

George Gawler participated in several significant military engagements. These included the Peninsular War, where he fought in actions such as the Siege of Badajoz (where he was wounded), the Battle of Vitoria, the Battle of the Pyrenees, and the Battle of Toulouse. He also fought in the Hundred Days campaign, including the Battle of Waterloo.

What is the significance of the KH honorific associated with George Gawler?

The KH honorific stands for Knight of the Royal Guelphic Order. George Gawler received this honor, specifically the third class, in 1837. This order was a Hanoverian order of knighthood, often awarded to military officers serving the British crown.

What was the condition of public finances and immigration upon Gawler's arrival in South Australia?

Upon Governor Gawler's arrival in October 1838, the colony of South Australia faced severe financial constraints, with almost no public funds available. Simultaneously, there were approximately 4,000 immigrants residing in makeshift accommodations, indicating a significant population increase without adequate infrastructure or financial backing.

How did Gawler's administration attempt to improve infrastructure and public services?

Governor Gawler focused on strengthening the colony's infrastructure and public services. He reorganized and expanded the police force, appointed more colonial officials, improved facilities at Port Adelaide, and oversaw the construction of the first permanent Government House. These actions aimed to establish a more functional and orderly colonial administration.

What was the financial limit set for Gawler's annual expenditure as governor?

Governor Gawler operated under a strict financial constraint, with a maximum allowed expenditure of £12,000 per year. He also had an additional credit of £5,000 available for emergencies, highlighting the limited financial resources allocated to the colony's administration.

What role did drought play in the economic difficulties faced by South Australia in 1840?

Droughts affecting other Australian colonies in 1840 significantly impacted South Australia. As the colony was not yet self-sufficient in food production, these external droughts drove up the cost of essential goods, contributing to the economic hardship experienced by the settlers.

What was the total expenditure during Gawler's governorship, and how was it financed?

During George Gawler's time as governor, the colony's expenditure reached over £200,000. This significant spending exhausted the land fund held in London. To address the financial crisis, the British Parliament approved a £155,000 loan, which was later converted into a gift to the colony.

What was the primary criticism leveled against Gawler's administration by historian Richard Charles Mills?

While acknowledging the extraordinary difficulties Gawler faced, historian Richard Charles Mills accepted the view that Gawler had been careless and extravagant. Mills suggested that Gawler could not be entirely acquitted of blame for the financial situation, despite the challenging circumstances.

What was the purpose of Gawler's 1850 publication, 'Present State of Moral Principle in the Supreme Government of the British Colonial Empire'?

In this publication, George Gawler petitioned Queen Victoria to seek redress for what he perceived as injustices inflicted upon him by successive secretaries of state. He aimed to highlight his contributions and the perceived mistreatment he experienced after his governorship.

George Gawler Wiki: George Gawler: The Governor's Chronicle

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Biography

Early Life and Education

Born on 21 July 1795, George Gawler was the sole child of Captain Samuel Gawler of the 73rd Regiment of Foot. His father's military service led the family to India, where Captain Gawler was killed in action in Mysore in 1804. Young George received his early education from a private tutor and subsequently attended a school in Islington. His academic aptitude was further honed during two years at the Royal Military College, Great Marlow, where he distinguished himself as a diligent and capable student.

Military Service and Campaigns

Gawler's military career commenced in October 1810 with a commission as an ensign in the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot. He saw active service in the Peninsular War, participating in the arduous storming of Badajoz, where he was wounded and narrowly escaped death. His service continued through the advance on Madrid and concluded in Spain in 1814. Upon returning to England, he fought with distinction at the pivotal Battle of Waterloo during the Hundred Days campaign. He remained in France with the army of occupation until 1818. Gawler achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1834 and was honored with the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order (KH) in 1837.

Gawler's extensive military engagements included:

Napoleonic Wars:

Peninsular War: Siege of Badajoz (wounded), Battle of Vitoria, Battle of the Pyrenees, Battle of the Bidassoa, Battle of Nivelle, Battle of the Nive, Battle of Orthez, Battle of Toulouse.
Hundred Days: Battle of Waterloo.

Governorship of South Australia

In 1838, Gawler was appointed the second Governor of South Australia, succeeding Captain John Hindmarsh. He also assumed the role of Resident Commissioner. Arriving in October 1838, he found a colony facing severe financial instability, underpaid officials, and inadequate infrastructure for its growing immigrant population. His administration was marked by efforts to stabilize the colony, including reorganizing the police force under Henry Inman, overseeing surveys, and initiating public works such as the construction of the first permanent Government House. However, increased expenditure to combat economic hardship led to bankruptcy, necessitating his replacement.

Governor Gawler faced significant challenges during his tenure:

Financial Crisis: The colony operated with minimal public funds, and land sales, a primary revenue source, were delayed due to surveying issues.
Immigration & Unemployment: A rapid influx of immigrants in 1839-1840 exacerbated unemployment problems.
Resource Management: Droughts in other colonies drove up the cost of essential goods before South Australia achieved food self-sufficiency.
Gawler's Response: To avert collapse, Gawler significantly increased public expenditure on infrastructure and administration. This action, while necessary for immediate stability, ultimately led to the colony's bankruptcy and his eventual recall.
Key Projects: His administration saw the construction of the Great Eastern Road and improvements to Port Adelaide.

Later Life and Passing

Post-Governorship Pursuits

Following his retirement from the governorship in 1841, Gawler dedicated himself to religious and charitable endeavors. His intellectual curiosity extended to geopolitical matters, and in 1845, he authored a memorandum advocating for Jewish agricultural settlements in Palestine, followed by further writings on the subject. He undertook a tour of Palestine in 1849 with Sir Moses Montefiore.

Seeking Redress and Retirement

In 1850, Gawler retired from the army. He subsequently penned a petition to the Queen, seeking acknowledgment and redress for perceived injustices suffered during his colonial service, particularly from successive secretaries of state. He maintained that his administration had been instrumental in South Australia's success, despite accusations of extravagance leveled against him by his successor, George Grey. Gawler spent his final years in Southsea, where he succumbed to pneumonia on 7 May 1869, at the age of 73. He was interred in Portsmouth.

Enduring Legacy

Re-evaluation of His Tenure

George Gawler's governorship was initially subject to criticism, partly due to the unfavorable dispatches of his successor, George Grey, which often failed to acknowledge the immense difficulties Gawler faced. While some historians, like Richard Charles Mills, have acknowledged Gawler's potential carelessness and extravagance, they also recognize his crucial role in saving the nascent colony from collapse. Contemporary accounts from figures like Charles Sturt often lauded his administration for significantly benefiting the settlement. A select committee on South Australia ultimately found that his expenditures, many of which were on vital infrastructure like the Great Eastern Road, could not be substantially reduced without causing great public inconvenience.

Places Named in His Honor

Gawler's impact on the landscape of South Australia is commemorated through several geographical names:

The town of Gawler, situated north of Adelaide.
The adjacent Gawler River.
The Gawler Ranges on the Eyre Peninsula, named by explorer Edward John Eyre in 1839.

These designations stand as testaments to his foundational role in the colony's development.

Cultural and Familial Contributions

Beyond his administrative duties, Gawler's family also left a mark. His daughter, Julia, was a notable artist and married George Hall, who had served as Gawler's private secretary. His eldest surviving son, Henry, pursued a legal career and held a significant position in the South Australian Land Titles Office. A grandson, Douglas Gawler, later became a member of parliament in Western Australia. Gawler himself contributed a collection of minerals and exotic stuffed birds, including an albatross, to the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, reflecting his experiences and interests.

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George Gawler: The Governor's Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 👤

📖 Early Life and Education

🎖️ Military Service and Campaigns

🗺️ Governorship of South Australia

Later Life and Passing ✒️

🕊️ Post-Governorship Pursuits

⚖️ Seeking Redress and Retirement

Enduring Legacy 🌳

🤔 Re-evaluation of His Tenure

📍 Places Named in His Honor

🎨 Cultural and Familial Contributions

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Early Life and Education

Military Service and Campaigns

Governorship of South Australia

Later Life and Passing

Post-Governorship Pursuits

Seeking Redress and Retirement

Enduring Legacy

Re-evaluation of His Tenure

Places Named in His Honor

Cultural and Familial Contributions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice