George ANGUS (b.1853)

GEORGE ANGUS, Head Lighthouse-keeper and Postmaster, Cape Willoughby, Kangaroo Island, is the second son of the late Mr. W. J. Angus, of Port Adelaide, who died in 1905 at the age of 79 years. The subject of this notice was born at sea, on board the sailing vessel "Olivia," in the vicinity of the Cape of Good Hope, on September 27, 1853. He received his education at public schools in Adelaide, under headmasters Allan Martin and John Hosking respectively, and at the conclusion of his scholastic training entered the office of Boncaut (afterwards Sir James Penn) and Whitby, solicitors; but having an inclination to follow a seafaring life he joined the ship "City of Adelaide," and made three voyages on board this vessel. Subsequently he became identified with various other ships, and during the fourteen years of his nautical career he served in the "Chaa-sze," the "Dunkeld," and the "Albert Victor." Leaving the last-named boat, Mr. Angus joined the s.s. "Governor Musgrave," with which he was identified in the capacity of "providor" for about eighteen months, and afterwards joined the s.s. "Glenelg" as purser, this steamer trading between Adelaide, Sydney, and Tasmania. It may be mentioned in passing that the "Glenelg" was the pioneer steamer of direct communication between Adelaide and London, under command of Captain John Bruce. On April 7, 1882, Mr. Angus joined the Marine Service, and was appointed fourth keeper of Tiparra Lighthouse, in Spencer Gulf, near Moonta. After twelve months he was promoted to the position of third keeper at Cape Northumberland, and after holding this post for three years proceeded to Althorpe Island to fill a similar appointment there. Two years later he became second keeper at Penguin Island, and, having served eight years at this post, received promotion in 1898 as head keeper of Middle Bank Lightship, where he remained for fourteen months. He was then transferred to the Althorpe Lighthouse as head keeper, and in 1903 was finally promoted to the appointment of head keeper of the Cape Willoughby light, and has continued here ever since. At the latter end of August, 1905, the positions of lighthousekeeper and postmaster at Cape Willoughby were amalgamated, and the responsibility of these joint offices was undertaken by Mr. Angus, who has efficiently discharged the duties ever since.

In 1877 the gentleman under review was married to Jane, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Inglis, formerly of the West Terrace Flourmills, owned by Messrs. Giles & Smith, and of a family of five children three sons survive.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia 1909, p.1026.