Stephen Beston – a kindly natured man

Cyclopedia of Western Australia 1912-1913 – edited by J.S. Battye

STEPHEN BESTON J.P  – merchant, and mayor of Boulder, was born near Launceston, Tasmania, on April 8, 1866, and is the son of the late Patrick Beston, a farmer of that place. He pursued his scholastic studies at Bridge North, about 12 miles from Launceston, and at fourteen years of age commenced work in the agricultural industry.

Stephen Beston JP – Photo –  Cyclopedia of WA

For fifteen years he followed this calling in the Tamar River district, and at the end of that period, he became engaged in hydraulic sluicing on the mining fields. In 1895 he came to Western Australia, enticed by the prosperous condition of the mining industry on the eastern
goldfields, and after reaching Kalgoorlie purchased a condensing plant and conducted the business of water condensation for the public for a number of years. About eighteen months before the water supply scheme became an accomplished fact, Mr Beston disposed of his plant and opened up in the bakery trade at Boulder, five years later enlarging the scope of his operations by establishing himself as a general merchant in conjunction with his other business. He owns two stores in Boulder, the departments comprising grocery, wine and spirits, ironmongery, etc, the main premises is situated at the corner of Forrest and Wilson Streets and the branch store is in the centre of Burt Street.

S Beston General Merchant – Cnr Forrest and Wilson Sts, Boulder

Mr. Boston specializes in whisky, which he imports from Scotland. He has a staff of eighteen employes who are kept employed
all the year round. He acts as agent for the North British Fire Insurance Company, and is a director of the Boulder Brewery Company.

S Beston General Merchant – 56 Burt Street, Boulder (Now the Queen Bee Coffee Shop)

In addition to the management of his manifold business affairs, he takes a keen interest in the political affairs of the State and gives considerable attention to the public interests of Boulder. In 1906 he was elected to a seat on the municipal council of Boulder, and two years later received his Commission of the Peace from the Moore Administration, he is also a member of the conference of local bodies on the goldfields. He is a trustee and treasurer of the Roman Catholic Church at Boulder and a member of the Boulder Bowling Club

Stephen Beston – Kalgoorlie cemetery – Photos Danelle Warnock

In 1898 Mr Beston married Susanah F Wright, daughter of Mr William Eden Wright, a farmer of Victoria, and has two sons and two daughters all born in Boulder. William Patrick born 1899 – John Stephen born 1903 – Ella Mary Josephine born 1907 & Evelyn Margaret born 1912.

Kalgoorlie Miner 6 October 1922, page 4

Stephen Beston was Mayor of Boulder during the years of the Great War. He was however closely identified with the municipality of Boulder from 1906 to 1919. He was elected Mayor in 1915 and continued in that position till Dec 1919. This was the longest term of office of any mayor of that municipality. He was a kindly-natured broadminded man who was ready to associate himself with any movement for the good of the district. He was a prominent member of the bowling club and the racing club, and a foundation member of the trotting club.

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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