James Robert Wilshire

James Wilshire (26 July 1809 – 19 August 1860) was an Australian politician. He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council between 1855 and 1856 and again from 1858 until his death. He was also a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for one term between 1856 and 1857.

Early life

Wilshire was the son of a successful Sydney tanner. He was educated privately and worked in his father's tannery which he inherited in 1840. After 1842 he was an alderman of Sydney City Council and served as Mayor in 1843-44. Wilshire was a political supporter of John Dunmore Lang and a strident opponent of the reintroduction of transportation. He was a generous supporter of the Benevolent Society.

State Parliament

In 1855, prior to the establishment of responsible self-government, Wilshire was elected to the semi-elected Legislative Council. He represented the electorate of Sydney City until the granting of responsible self-government in 1856. Subsequently, at the first election under the new constitution he was elected to the Legislative Assembly as one of the four members for the same seat. Wilshire was defeated at the next election in 1858. He did not hold a ministerial or parliamentary position. Following his defeat he accepted a five year appointment to the Legislative Council which he retained until his death.

References

• "Mr James Wilshire (1809 - 1860)". Former members of the New South Wales Parliament, 1856-2006. New South Wales Parliament. http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/1fb6ebed995667c2ca256ea100825164/25a002e09e373ae6ca256e66000a6f78?OpenDocument. Retrieved 2010-01-11.