Thomas Burges
Thomas Burges | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Need valid birth date: year, month, day York, Western Australia |
| Died | August 7, 1893 (aged 63) |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, legislator |
| Years active | 1874–1878, 1885–1887, 1890–1893 |
| Known for | Member of the Western Australian Legislative Council |
Thomas Burges (July 1830 – 7 August 1893) was a prominent Australian pastoralist and legislator who held a seat in the Western Australian Legislative Council across three separate periods: from 1874 to 1878, 1885 to 1887, and again from 1890 until his passing.
Originating from York, Western Australia, he was the son of Judith (née Kearnan) and Samuel Evans Burges, belonging to a family with significant political involvement. His half-brother Richard Goldsmith Burges, along with his uncles William and Lockier Burges, also held parliamentary positions. In 1859, Thomas took ownership of Bowes Station, a pastoral lease initially established by his uncles in the Mid-West region. By 1870, he had developed Yuin Station and played a key role in establishing a stock route extending northward to the Gascoyne. Additionally, Burges contributed to local administration as both a member and chairman of the Northampton Road Board between 1871 and 1877.
His political career began in 1874 when he was elected to represent the newly formed Northern District in the Legislative Council. He resigned in January 1878 to undertake travel in Europe but returned in July 1885 after being appointed by Governor Sir Frederick Broome. He stepped down once more in June 1887. Upon the Legislative Council’s transformation into an upper house in December 1890, Burges was reappointed and served until his death caused by influenza in August 1893. In 1860, he married Augusta Wittenoom, daughter of John Burdett Wittenoom; the couple did not have children.