Notable South Australians/William Fiveash

William Fiveash,

BORN at North-fleet, Kent, England, Dec. 24, 1825, W arrived in South Australia, July 1 2, 1852. Was for many years traveller for the firm of Jos. Skelton & Co., and while so engaged, became connected with the late Mr. J. E. Seppelt (father of the present Mr. B. Seppelt), of Seppeltsfield, and through that connection was mainly instrumental in building up one of the largest wine businesses in the Australias. Has always avoided politics, although often solicited to come forward as a candidate for Parliamentary, as well as Municipal honours. Was one of the founders of the Masonic body under the Irish constitution in this colony, and held the position of first Deputy P.G.M. for fourteen years, under the late Hon. J. T. Bagot, and the present P.G.M. W. J. Crawford, Esq. It is mainly due to his energy that that body owes the erection of their handsome building in Waymouth-street, known as the Alfred Masonic Hall, he having originated the idea, and collected over £1,500 towards the fund to build—a fact that body recognized when paying him the compliment of appointing him Chairman of their Trustees, and by the gathering which took place on the occasion of his laying the commemoration-stone, November 26, 1883. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace Oct. 10, 1883.