Thomas Blacket STEPHENS

STEPHENS, THOMAS BLACKET (b. Rochdale, England, 5 Jan 1819; d. Brisbane, Qld, 29 Aug 1877). Newspaper proprietor and politician.

Son of a Baptist minister, Stephens' social and political ideals were shaped by his Christian upbringing, the turbulent changes in English society, and his friendship with anti-corn law agitators Cobden and Bright. He became part of the emerging merchant class as a humanitarian mill owner. In 1849 Stephens arrived in Sydney. Early 1853 saw him move to Brisbane, establishing himself as a mercantile wool buyer and large tannery owner. Stephens was instrumental in founding the first Baptist church in Brisbane in 1855. He had foundational links with three other Baptist churches including South Brisbane of which he was the first Sunday school superintendent and deacon for five years. Stephens was described as a wise counsellor, a warm hearted supporter of his church and a Christian of unimpeachable character.

He acquired the Moreton Bay Courier in 1861 and later launched the Queenslander. Stephens believed that his newspapers, as a medium for his Christian convictions, could advance the mental, social and moral standards of Queensland. He strongly opposed the use of 'coolie' (Chinese) and Kanaka indentured labour. In 1859 he was an alderman for South Brisbane and became mayor of Brisbane in 1862. He initiated the first bridge across the Brisbane River, advocated an improved water supply and was prominent in establishing Brisbane Grammar School. From 1863 to 1875 he was an MLA, serving as Colonial Secretary Colonial Treasurer, Postmaster General and Secretary for Public Lands. In 1876-7 he was elected to the Legislative Council. His advocacy of a wider franchise and land reform made him unpopular with people with vested interests.

His marriage to Anne Connah in Sydney in 1865 produced 12 children.

ADB 6; J White, A Fellowship of Service (Brisbane, nd)

JOHN SILVER