Masters, James

About James Masters

James Masters, the pioneer settler in the district, gave the name Riverton to the town. The name may be a variation of River Town. Mr. Masters took the name Saddleworth from his birthplace in England. Mr. Masters arrived in the colony in the Africaine in November, 1836, and became proprietor of the Commercial Inn. Grenfell street. He moved North and blossomed forth as a squatter. It is said that he was the first man to exhibit wool at a show in South Australia. In 1853 he paid £620 for the section of land in which Riverton is situated. The town was allotted two years later. Mr. Masters built the first flour mill in the district and endowed and helped to build the Anglican church. Masters street, Riverton, perpetuates his memory.