Benjamin Fisher

Benjamin Fisher
Born	1842-12-23 Kent, England
Died	1920-03-08
Occupation(s)	Accountant, auctioneer
Known for	Co-founder of Bennett & Fisher

Benjamin Fisher (23 December 1842 – 8 March 1920) was a prominent South Australian accountant and auctioneer, recognized for co-founding the stock and station agency Bennett & Fisher.

Life

Fisher was born in Kent and received his education at Greenwich Proprietary School followed by the City of London College. He dedicated two decades to a single London firm, advancing to the position of manager. In 1881, he relocated to Adelaide where he spent eight years working with the legal firm W. & T. Pope.

In 1889, Fisher joined forces with land and livestock specialist Gabriel Bennett, establishing the auctioneering firm Bennett & Fisher. He remained actively engaged in the company until retiring in 1916.

Renowned for his friendly demeanor, Fisher traveled extensively throughout Australia on business, acquiring comprehensive knowledge of regional markets. His professional reputation was built on honesty, keen judgment, and unwavering commitment.

He passed away following a lengthy illness.

Other interests

Fisher was affiliated with the Masonic Order as well as the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

He was also a skilled organist, performing at both St. Peter's College and St. Bede's Church in Semaphore, and pursued artistic interests including pencil drawing and watercolour painting.

Furthermore, he held partial ownership in a pastoral estate.

Family

Fisher married twice; his first wife passed away in England prior to his emigration. At his death, he was survived by a widow, three daughters, and one son from his first marriage, along with a daughter and son from his second marriage to Clarissa Dane (–1938):

• Thirza Susannah "Ettie" Fisher (c. 1871–1954), who married Herbert Lander and lived at "Whitefield," Eden Valley.
• Ella Constance "Connie" Fisher (c. 1873–1950), wife of William Holland Gillman; they resided successively in Gilberton, Walkerville, and North Adelaide.
• Agnes Fisher, based in Perth, Western Australia.
• (Benjamin) Harry Fisher (c. 1876–1960), served as manager at the Union Bank of Australia branch in Balmain, New South Wales.
• Clarissa Fisher (–1946), married Lancelot John Canaway; lived in Mitcham and was connected with Elder, Smith & Co., Ltd.
• Francis William Fisher (–1940), married Minnie Coralie Duff; resided in Hawthorn, Victoria and died in Mosman, New South Wales.

Throughout his life, Fisher lived initially at Largs Bay before moving to North Adelaide around 1912. His family included a sister who died in Doncaster, Victoria in 1920 and a brother who passed away near Renmark circa 1918.