William J Fisher at Nannine

The following wonderful photographs have been kindly sent to me to share with you. They are from the family album of Ms Robin Panousieris, nee Fisher, and concern her Grandfather, William James Fisher, who was born in 1872, Sago Hill, Ballarat, Victoria. He was the son of Edwin Fisher and Elizabeth Sharp. He married Alice Beatrice Chalmers nee Main in Victoria in 1904. Their first of five sons was born the same year, Edwin Gordon Fisher, followed by Robena Jean Fisher born 1907 – Charles William Fisher born 1911 – Dorothy Eileen Fisher born 1914 – Herbert Main Fisher born 1915 – Alexander John Fisher born 1918 – George Ronald Fisher born 1920.

He experienced the gold rush in Victoria before coming to WA, which may have made him realise that gold digging wasn’t very profitable, but being a merchant was!

They do say: ‘When there’s a Gold Rush, Sell Shovels”

The family then moved to Richmond Victoria. Leaving his family in Victoria the then rode from Richmond in Victoria to Western Australia. William returned to Victoria, first as a builder, then he bought a sheep farm in Victoria Valley and then moved to Glenthompson, Victoria. Robin herself was born on the farm at Glenthompson and her grandfather lived with them. He died at the age of 91yrs, he was from Scottish stock, a real hardy race.

Building in Cue main street, built by W J Fisher – Photo Robin Panousieris,

Today:- Originally The Gentlemen’s Club in Cue now the Shire offices – Photo SLWA

William James Fisher is the man in the middle with the moustache- Nannine Cycle Agency and Timber yard 1900. – Photo Robin Panousieris,

Boat building for the lake at Nannine. April 1900. W.J. Fisher sitting on boat with hands in lap.Next to A E Whitchurch – Cycle Agency. From the above photo it appears that W J Fisher took over from A E Whitchurch. – Robin Panousieris,

Nannine Lake 1900 – Photo SLWA

Nannine Timber Yard, W J Fisher standing in doorway – Photo Robin Panousieris,

The Murchison Times and the Day Dawn Gazette 1899

The Murchison Times and the Day Dawn Gazette 1899

Camels resting outside of Masterston & Co General Agents Nannine 1899. W J Fisher can be seen standing behind his bicycle – Robin Panousieris,

William James Fisher Christmas Card 1898 Nannine – Robin Panousieris,

The Murchison Advocate 1899

A.W.A Races, Lakeway, Start of the Aboriginal Race 1900 – Robin Panousieris,

A group of aboriginal men ready for a corroboree, probably on Lake Way Station, 1900 – Robin Panousieris.

A group of Aboriginal people standing at a gate on the Lake Way Station 1900 – Robin Panousieris.

Two aboriginal girls wearing advertising for Lake Way Station. 1900 – Robin Panousieris.

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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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