F. J. Botting
Francis Joseph Botting | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1819 London, England |
| Died | July 10, 1906 (aged 86–87) Kensington, South Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Auctioneer, hotel proprietor, brewer |
| Years active | 1839–1906 |
| Known for | Prominent auctioneer in Adelaide; proprietor of hotels and breweries; Government Auctioneer and Valuator |
Francis Joseph Botting (1819 – 10 July 1906), often referred to as F. J. Botting, was a prominent auctioneer based in Adelaide, South Australia, who later became a notable proprietor of hotels and breweries. His son, Frank South Botting (circa 1849 – 12 November 1894), collaborated with him as a business associate.
History
Originally from London and professionally trained as a builder, Francis Botting arrived in South Australia in March 1839 aboard the ship Buckinghamshire. Alongside his brother Frederick Henry Botting (circa 1810 – 1873), he was responsible for constructing some of Adelaide’s earliest structures, including a merchant’s office and warehouse that was eventually converted into the Blenheim Hotel. They also built the first wharf and associated building at Port Adelaide under the direction of architect Prescott. During the economic downturn between 1844 and 1846, the brothers resided on islands within Spencer Gulf.
Auctioneer
By May 1856, Botting had become part of the auctioneering firm Wicksteed, Townsend & Co., which later transformed into Wicksteed, Botting, Townsend & Co., and subsequently Townsend, Wicksteed & Kay. After William Kay’s departure in 1869, the company Townsend, Botting & Co. was dissolved in August 1880 with its assets liquidated; nevertheless, Botting continued his auctioneering activities alongside his son-in-law G. E. C. Stevens.
Brewers and hotel proprietors
In 1874, Frank Botting joined forces with Frederick Estcourt Bucknall to purchase Haussen & Co., a brewing and hotel enterprise formerly owned by Henry Haussen’s widow. They maintained the original brand name. Following Bucknall’s financial setbacks due to the collapse of the Commercial Bank of South Australia in 1886, full ownership passed to the Botting family. After Frank’s passing in 1894, Francis assumed sole proprietorship. The family also acquired ownership of the Pier Hotel and Family Hotel located in Glenelg.
Additional engagements
- Founding member of Walkerville Cricket Club.
- One of the initial directors of the Adelaide and Suburban Building Society, which preceded the Permanent Equitable Building Society.
- Held the position of Government Auctioneer and Valuator, playing a key role in land acquisitions for major railway projects such as those connecting Port Augusta and Bordertown.
Death
Botting passed away at his residence on Kensington Terrace, Kensington, and was laid to rest at West Terrace Cemetery.
Family
Francis Joseph Botting (1819 – 10 July 1906) wed Delia Sophia South (circa 1824 – 21 December 1894) in 1846. She had arrived aboard Buckinghamshire with her family members. The couple lived on Kensington Terrace in Kensington.
- Frank South Botting (1849 – 12 November 1894) married Eliza Letchford in 1873. After attending Webster's Adelaide Commercial School, he joined his father’s auctioneering enterprise.
- Frances Jane Botting (1853 – 24 May 1920) married John Thomas Lunn in 1875 and later John Drummond in 1908.
- Alice Isabel Botting (1858–1928) married George Edward Carlisle Stevens in 1879. Stevens was a partner and subsequently took ownership of Botting’s auction business; together they had six children.
Francis’s brother Frederick Henry Botting (circa 1810 – 31 January 1873) remarried Jane Stephens in 1846; she had emigrated to South Australia aboard John Renwick in 1837. They had one son:
- Frederick William Botting (circa 1846 – 9 April 1921) married Jane Wheatley in 1870. He worked as a printer, briefly partnered in Waddy, Botting & Co., then later served as a clerk at the Land Office while living on Dulwich Avenue in Dulwich.