Frederick Irwin

Frederick Chidley Irwin (* 1788 in Enniskillen, Ireland, † March 31, 1860 in Cheltenham, England ) was a British lieutenant colonel and governor of the colony of Western Australia.

Life

Frederick Irwin was born in 1788 as son of Pastor James Irwin. In 1808 he joined the Army and was awarded several times for his work in " Peninsula War". From 1817, he was first transferred to Canada and later to Ceylon.

After the founding of the colony of Western Australia in 1828, Irwin's cousin James Stirling was appointed as its first governor. Irwin was also ordered as commander of the 63rd Infantry regiment to protect the new colony of Australia. In 1829 he came with his regiment aboard HMS Sulphur in Australia.

1831 Stirling appointed Irwin Deputy Chairman of the Western Australian Parliament. In addition, Irwin represented the governor during the absence of Stirling 1832-1833. 1837 he was promoted to Major and received the command of the troops in Western Australia. In 1845, he received a promotion to lieutenant colonel.

After the death of Governor Andrew Clarke in February 1847, he took over his official duties for a year. However, among the settlers, he was very unpopular, he was described as strict and stubborn. During his time as governor is also found the colony in a severe economic crisis that Irwin could not finish.

After the arrival of the new Governor Charles Fitzgerald in August 1847 Irwin retained his post as military commander until he retired from the army in 1852 and settled in England. He died on March 31, 1860 in Cheltenham.

Works

The State and Position of Western Australia, Commonly Called the Swan River Settlement. Simpkin, Marshall. London, 1835.

Swell

David Mossenson: Irwin, Frederick Chidley ( 1788-1860 ). In: Douglas Pike ( ed.) Australian Dictionary of Biography. Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria 1966 ff (English)

Governor (Western Australia)
Born in 1788
Died in 1860
Man

349821