William Knox Simms
William Knox Simms | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1830 England |
| Died | 1897-12-25 |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1852–1897 |
| Known for | Brewing industry in South Australia; political career in South Australia; support of horse racing |
William Knox Simms (1830 – 25 December 1897) was a prominent brewer, entrepreneur, and political figure in the formative years of South Australia.
History
Simms emigrated from England to South Australia in December 1845. In 1852, he joined forces with John Hayter to acquire the Pirie Street Brewery, initially established by James Walsh. The next year, the partnership expanded by taking over the lucrative mail service operated by John and James Chambers. Hayter departed in 1855 and was declared bankrupt in 1859.
Starting in 1856, W. K. Simms & Co. managed the Halifax Street Brewery before purchasing the well-known West End Brewery located near West Terrace, Adelaide in 1861. Between 1866 and 1879, Simms partnered with Edgar Chapman, during which time the brewery thrived financially. In 1874, they sent their senior staff member Charles Mallen to collaborate with Hampton Carroll Gleeson in founding the "Adelaide Brewery" in Waverley, Sydney. The West End Brewery was eventually acquired in 1888 by the South Australian Brewing and Malting Company, which subsequently merged with Edwin Smith's Kent Town Brewing Company. Simms retained a directorship until his passing, benefiting from significant dividends while having minimal day-to-day duties.
Other activities
In addition to his brewing ventures, Simms held a directorial role at the Equitable Fire Insurance Co.
Politics
Simms began his political career as a member of the Adelaide City Council for Gawler ward in 1867. The following year, he was elected to the House of Assembly representing West Adelaide. His tenure included several breaks and resignations between 1870 and 1881. After electoral reforms introduced districts within the Council, he was elected in 1884 to represent the newly created Central district of the Legislative Council. He stepped down in 1891. Throughout his time in office, Simms steered clear of ministerial posts and party affiliations, maintaining a strong rapport with both peers and voters.
Racing
An enthusiastic supporter of horse racing, Simms actively backed the Totalizator Bill and successfully guided it through its second reading, despite never owning racehorses himself. He participated in the 1861 gathering at the John Bull Hotel in Adelaide aimed at enhancing colonial racing standards and was appointed to the committee of the newly established Second South Australian Jockey Club, alongside prominent individuals such as E. M. Bagot and P. B. Coglin. After briefly resigning in 1864, he returned to fill a committee vacancy and served for several years thereafter. That same year, he advocated replacing sweepstakes with fixed prize money, improving financial arrangements for races like the Adelaide Cup. When financial challenges struck the S.A.J.C. in 1866, Simms personally guaranteed an overdraft from the National Bank. He assumed the role of committee chairman in 1867 and played an active part in promoting major events, including the 1869 race meeting held in honor of Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh. Simms also contributed to re-establishing the South Australian Jockey Club in 1888.
Family life
Simms was married to Jane Faulkner (circa 1829 – 1905), and together they had seven children: four sons—one of whom passed away in childhood—and three daughters.
- Alfred Simms (circa 1853 – 1901) wedded Priscilla Chambers in 1874. He was affiliated with the Adelaide Stock Exchange and collaborated with W. B. Rounsevell to take over Johnston & Furniss, a wine and spirit merchant business, establishing the partnership Rounsevell & Simms. In 1888, this company combined with the Kent Town Brewery and West End Brewery, forming The South Australian Brewing, Malting, and Wine and Spirit Company, a key entity in South Australia's beverage sector. After Alfred’s passing, his wife contributed significantly to expansions at St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide as a tribute to him.
- Harry Simms became a member of the Melbourne Stock Exchange and moved to Hampstead, England around the turn of the century.
- Clara Jane Simms (born 1855) married Paul Frederick "Fred" Bonnin, a solicitor, in 1876; following his death, she remarried Whitmore Blake Carr in 1904.
- Elinor (or Eleanor Ann) Simms (1857 – 1900) first married Alexander Frederick Fisher in 1879 but divorced in 1887; she later wed solicitor Charles Grant Varley in 1888.
- Louisa Simms (circa 1857 – 1910) entered into marriage with Cavendish Lister Colley in 1883.
- Edward "Ned" Simms (circa 1864 – 1909) married Emma Louise Noltenius in 1890.
The family’s home was located at Victoria Place in Glenelg, overlooking Colley Reserve. In his later years, Simms endured rheumatism and traveled overseas for medical care. His death was sudden, and he was interred at St Jude's Church cemetery in Brighton. A stained glass window portraying St Mark in St Peter's Church, Glenelg serves as a memorial to him.
Estate
Upon his passing, Simms’ estate was valued at £345,000, which corresponds to more than AUD 500 million in current terms. A legal controversy emerged concerning whether the gifts he transferred by deed poll to family members were intended to avoid succession duty, raising the possibility of double taxation.