This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
OR, COLONISTS—PAST AND PRESENT.
101

Hon. Thomas English, M.L.C.

BORN at Maryport, Cumberland; died at Parkside, S. A., December 17, 1884, in his 65th year. Arrived in Adelaide, January 11, 1850, in the barque "Richardson," commanded by his brother. Captain Jas. English, and accompanied by Mrs. English and his brother-in-law (Mr. Henry Brown). Shortly after, in company with Mr. Brown, he erected a builder's workshop in Carrington-street, and subsequently purchased a corner acre in Hindmarsh-square, where their business was considerably extended. After sixteen years, Mr. English, in consequence of being elected a member of the Legislative Council, was compelled under the Contractors in Parliament Act to sever his connection with the firm, and on his resignation was presented by his employés with an address and handsome epergne. Messrs. English & Brown opened the Glen Ewin Freestone Quarries at Teatree Gully, and some of the finest buildings in the province were erected by them. Among these may be mentioned the Town Hall, Parliament Houses, Chalmers' Church, the National Bank, the Flinders-street Baptist Church, and others in Adelaide. On leaving his previous business, Mr. English practised as an architect, and ultimately took Mr. Rowland Rees as partner. This firm was dissolved after three years, and he was next associated with Mr. G. K. Soward, who was his partner at the time of his death. On February 25, 1878, prior to his departure for Europe, Mr. English was entertained at a banquet in the Town Hall. The late Mr. W. Townsend, M.P., presided, and the company included most of the leading citizens of Adelaide. On this occasion Mr. English was presented with a beautifully-illuminated address, numerously signed by prominent colonists, recording their appreciation of his services. His Parliamentary career dates from March 1, 1865, when he was elected to the Legislative Council. He held this until February 2, 1869, when his