William Little (1839-1916) was an Australian politician and poet.

Biography

Early life

William Little was born on 7 February 1839 in Cumberland, Cumbria, England.[1] He emigrated to Australia with his family in 1851, arriving at Corio Bay when he was twelve years old.[1] Two years later, at the age of fourteen, he got his first job as a messenger in the Geelong Customs House in Geelong and later worked as a clerk for Mr James Oddie.[1] He graduated from the University of Melbourne.[1]

Career

From 1880 onwards, he worked as an auctioneer, a real estate agent, and an insurance and finance agent in Ballarat.[1][2] Additionally, he served as a Justice of the Peace.[1] He then served as a City Councillor from 1883 to 1892 and as Mayor of Ballarat from 1889 to 1891.[1][2] As Mayor, on Arbour Day 1890, he added 1,250 trees to Victoria Park.[1] He also served as a lay preacher in the Wesleyan Church, and he was a Freemason.

He became a prolific poet, writing under the pen-name of 'Lambda'.[1] He also published short stories, an essay, historical articles and guidebooks.

Personal life

He married Catherine Walford Cazaly.

Death

He died on 2 October 1916 in Ballarat.[1]

See also

• List of mayors of Ballarat

References