William BUICK (1849-1918)

WILLIAM BUICK, agriculturist and grazier, "Kangaroo Farm," Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island, was born, at Port Adelaide in May, 1849, and is the eldest son of Mr. John Buick, of the American River, Kangaroo Island. He was educated privately, and in early youth became initiated into farm work in the above-mentioned locality, and continued here in association with his father until his twenty-third year. To the subject under review and his parent belongs the distinction of being the first settlers to open up the land in this district successfully, others having tried previously and failed. The country was covered with a forest of blue-gum trees, which presented enormous difficulties in the task of clearing the land and fitting it for cultivation. The Messrs. Buick, however, succeeded in the undertaking, and amongst their other enterprises planted the first fruit-garden on the island. In 1872 Mr. William Buick came to Hog Bay River, where his father had purchased a sheep-run from the late Captain Richard Tapley, with the intention of placing it under the and the greater part of the territory had to be relinquished. Retaining 2,000 acres under the new conditions, Mr. Buick then came to Kangaroo Head (Hog Bay), and took up 369 acres of land, with a further 271 acres at Hog Bay River. This he farmed and grazed with success, and as prosperity followed his efforts he extended the area of his operations, and at the present time has under control about 8,000 acres, partly freehold and partly leasehold property.

His fine residence at Kangaroo Head is beautifully situated, in full view of the Gulf, commanding a picturesque seascape. Mr. Buick has been associated with the Dudley District Council from the time of its inception, with a few breaks, up to the year now entered upon. He is also a member of the Rifle Club, and takes a keen interest in all local matters.

In 1881 he was married to Jane, only daughter of the late Mr. George Rose, a veteran of the battles of Balaklava and Inkerman, who resided in Adelaide and latterly at Encounter Bay. There are three sons and two daughters.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia 1909, p.1023.