George SHENTON

SHENTON, GEORGE SNR (b. Winchester, England, 2 Jan 1811; d. Mandurah, WA, 25 Mar 1867). Wesleyan businessman.

George Shenton was apprenticed to a pious Wesleyan druggist to learn to be a pharmacist. He was influenced greatly by his master. After completing his apprenticeship, and though not robust, he migrated to the Swan River Colony (WA), arriving on Cygnet in Jan 1833 seeking health and fortune. He found both though he was lucky to escape an early death just 15 months after arriving in the colony when he was attacked by hostile natives while working alone in his late uncle's flour mill at Point Beaches. George Shenton opened the first pharmacy in Perth. He soon diversified and advertised a wide range of goods for sale including, drapery, mercery, footwear, gun powder, yarn and rope. By 1838 his pharmacy and general store was situated on the corner of Hay and William Streets, soon known as Shenton's Corner. In Nov 1838 George m. a demure 17 year old Ann Catherine Cousins. Later he purchased a large block of land in St George's Terrace for which he paid £500. There he built a fine house which he called Rose Hall where his wife Ann bore him 13 children, 11 of whom survived.

Shenton's business interests continually expanded. In 1841 he was a foundation shareholder in the WA Bank, and a director (for 20 years) and chairman of the board. He was interested in the export of timber and in 1845 arranged the first shipment of River Swan 'mahogany' (jarrah) and Sandalwood to London. He owned a farm and two large stores in Geraldton, invested in lead and copper mining in Northampton and had an interest in the new WA Steamboat Company, which engaged in River trade. He built a large warehouse on the river-front behind his Perth residence. He was a man of remarkable perception and had total confidence in the future of the young colony.

George Shenton was a life-long Methodist and a great benefactor of the Wesleyan Church in the colony. His astute business skills were well used in the church. In spite of his busy life he always found time to be present with his family at the Sunday worship services. For some years he was a Sunday School teacher. As the details were being negotiated for the erection of Wesley Church on the corner of Hay and William streets, Shenton was the treasurer of the project and promised to donate £1000 to its construction. It was his wish that the new church be named 'Wesley Church'. At the stage just prior to the laying of the foundation stone in 1867, while at sea aboard one of his schooners, Lass of Geraldton he was drowned when the ship ran into a storm and foundered in heavy seas near Mandurah on 25 March 1867. His eldest son, George (q.v.), took up the responsibility for the family businesses and also assumed the commitments of his late father in Wesley Church.

JAMES H CAIN