William Finke
William Finke | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1814 or 1815 |
| Died | 1864-01-17 Adelaide, South Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, explorer, prospector, chief clerk |
| Known for | Financial backing of John McDouall Stuart's explorations |
William Finke (born 1814 or 1815 – died 17 January 1864) served as the chief clerk to South Australia's inaugural treasurer and was a prominent figure in exploration, prospecting, and pastoral activities. He is particularly recognized for his financial backing of John McDouall Stuart's ventures into Australia's interior regions.
History
Likely originally named Johann Wilhelm Finke and originating from Cuxhaven, Germany, he arrived in South Australia in November 1836 aboard the Tam O'Shanter, one of the vessels comprising the First Fleet of South Australia.
Finke joined a syndicate that included Osmond Gilles, the colony's first treasurer, his nephew John Jackson Oakden, and additional members to acquire land in Glenelg through a ballot held in 1839. While acting as Gilles's chief clerk, he oversaw mining operations for the Glen Osmond Union Mining Company—South Australia's earliest metal ore mining enterprise. Additionally, he held the position of honorary secretary for the Glenelg Pier and Warehouse Company, with its headquarters located in Adelaide.
Demonstrating considerable initiative as an explorer and prospector, Finke established successful copper mining ventures at Nuccaleena and Oratunga within the northern Flinders Ranges. He frequently collaborated with Scottish explorer John McDouall Stuart on exploratory journeys. Together with James Chambers, Finke developed the Moolooloo station, which served as the launching point for Stuart’s final triumphant expedition. Following their passing, John Chambers sold Moolooloo to Philip Levi & Co., who subsequently transferred ownership to John Rounsevell in 1871.
Finke passed away at the John Bull Inn situated on Currie Street, Adelaide and was interred at North Road Cemetery in Nailsworth. Two years subsequent to his death, individuals named Anna Timmermann, Andreas Finke, and Wilhelmina Arndt from Germany were documented as holding interests in Glenelg properties formerly linked to him.
Place names
The Finke River located in central Australia and South Australia's Mount Finke were both named by Stuart in honor of Finke during 1858 and 1860 respectively. Additionally, Finke Bay along the coast of the Van Diemen Gulf in the Northern Territory received its name from Stuart in 1862. The settlement known as Finke, which developed around a railway siding on the Central Australia Railway and is presently called Aputula, derived its name from its proximity to the Finke River.