Samuel Thomas Staughton Sr.
Australian politician (1838–1901)
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Samuel Thomas Staughton (17 November 1838 – 29 August 1901) was an English-born pioneer of the district surrounding Melton, Victoria, Australia. He was also a long-time member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
Biography
Samuel Thomas Staughton MLA, second son of Simon Staughton, was born on 17 November 1838 in Hertford, England.[a] He came to Australia with his family in around 1841.[1] In 1863 he inherited a large share of his father's property including Eynesbury.[2] He returned to England, aged 13 for schooling at Mill Hill Grammar School and later King's College London.[3] He was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1860,[4] but did not practice.[5]
He married Eliza Mary Ann Hopkins, daughter of John Rout Hopkins, on 23 April 1874. He had seven children.[2] Through his eldest daughter Ellie Mary Seton Williams née Staughton, he was the grandfather of Veronica Seton-Williams, an Australian Archaeologist.[6][7] He was president of the Shire of Werribee from 1884 to 1885 and a member of the Braybrook District Road Board.
He was member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for West Bourke for over 20 years.[1][8]
He died on 29 August 1901 (aged 62) at his home "St Neots" in Domain Road in South Yarra after suffering from influenza, which became bronchial asthma.[3] He is buried in the Kew cemetery. His estate was valued at £116,000.[9]
His son, also named Samuel Thomas, succeeded him as the member for West Bourke.[10]
Notes
- His date of birth is generally given as 17 November 1838,[1][2] however his obituary in The Leader gives it as 9 November 1837.[3]