James Robert Wilshire

James Robert Wilshire (29 July 1809 – 30 August 1860)^[1] 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.^[2]

Early life

Wilshire was the second son of a successful Sydney tanner, James Wilshire and his wife Esther, née Pitt.^[1] 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.

Parliament

In January 1855, prior to the establishment of responsible self-government, Wilshire was returned to the semi-elected Legislative Council for City of Sydney.^[2] He represented the electorate of Sydney City in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 13 March 1856 to 19 December 1857.^[2] 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.^[2]

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