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Thomas Hawkins (1785-1847) was a prominent lawyer, politician, and advisor in the early history of Van Diemen's Land (present-day Tasmania). Born in Winchester, England, he received his education at Winchester College and the University of Cambridge before pursuing legal training in London. In 1810, he emigrated to Hobart, where he established himself as a skilled and reputable lawyer, serving as a legal advisor to the Lieutenant-Governor, a magistrate for the Supreme Court, and a Member of the Legislative Council. Throughout his career, Hawkins played a significant role in shaping the legal, political, and economic landscape of the colony.
Thomas Hawkins was born on the 14th of August, 1785, in the town of Winchester, England, to parents John and Elizabeth Hawkins. John Hawkins, a respected solicitor, had built a successful practice in the town, earning a reputation for his legal acumen and integrity.
From a young age, Thomas displayed a keen intellect and a natural aptitude for learning. He attended the Winchester College, one of England's oldest and most prestigious schools, where he excelled in his studies, particularly in the Classics and Mathematics. His academic success earned him a place at the University of Cambridge in 1803, at the age of 18.
At Cambridge, Thomas immersed himself in his studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in 1807. During his time at the university, he forged connections with influential figures in the legal and political spheres, including Sir Edward Parry, a prominent barrister who would later become a mentor and friend to the young Thomas Hawkins.
Following his graduation, Thomas pursued legal training at the Inns of Court in London. It was during this time that he became acquainted with several individuals who would later play significant roles in the establishment and development of the colony of Van Diemen's Land, including William Jeffries Sr., a ambitious entrepreneur who shared Thomas's vision of the potential for growth and prosperity in the new world.
In 1810, at the age of 25, Thomas made the decision to leave England and seek new opportunities in the recently established colony of Van Diemen's Land. He arrived in the bustling port town of Hobart, armed with his education, legal training, and a determination to make his mark in the new world.
He quickly established himself as a skilled and reputable lawyer, specialising in property, contracts, and business matters. His keen understanding of the law and his ability to navigate complex legal issues earned him a growing clientele among the colonial elite.
Thomas's reputation soon caught the attention of the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land, Sir Charles Wentworth, who appointed him as a legal advisor in 1812. In this role, Thomas provided counsel on a range of matters, from land disputes to the drafting of new legislation. His service to the Lieutenant-Governor further solidified his standing in the colony and brought him into contact with many of the most powerful and influential figures of the time.
In 1814, Thomas became a partner in the law firm of Grayson, Hawkins & Associates, alongside his colleagues Jeremiah Grayson and Ambrose Fitzwilliam. The firm quickly gained a reputation as one of the most respected legal practices in the colony, with Thomas playing a key role in its success.
Recognising the importance of civic duty, Thomas sought to contribute to the development of Hobart beyond his legal work. In 1816, he was elected as an alderman on the Hobart Town Corporation, where he worked tirelessly to improve the town's infrastructure, education, and public services.
It was during this time that Thomas became acquainted with William Jeffries Sr., a ambitious entrepreneur who sought to establish a trading and import/export company in Hobart. Thomas, along with business associate Jeremiah Blaylock, provided legal counsel and assistance to Jeffries as he established Jeffries Industries in 1819. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful association between Thomas and the Jeffries family, with Thomas serving as the primary legal counsel for the company for many years.
In 1826, Thomas's legal acumen and dedication to the law were recognised with his appointment as a magistrate for the Supreme Court of Van Diemen's Land. He served in this role with distinction, earning a reputation as a fair and impartial judge.
As his legal career flourished, Thomas also found himself drawn into the political sphere. In 1832, he was elected as the Member of the Legislative Council for Hobart, where he worked to promote the interests of the colony and its citizens. His time in office was marked by a focus on economic development, education reform, and the improvement of relations between the colonial government and the indigenous population.
In 1835, after a long and distinguished career, Thomas retired from active legal practice. However, he continued to serve as an advisor to Jeffries Industries and other prominent business and political figures in the colony, his wisdom and experience highly sought after.
Throughout his life, Thomas Hawkins was known not only for his legal and political achievements but also for his commitment to his family and community. He married his beloved wife, Catherine Ashford, in 1815, and together they raised four children: James, Elizabeth, Henry, and Margaret. Thomas was a devoted husband and father, instilling in his children the same values of hard work, integrity, and service that had guided his own life.
Thomas Hawkins passed away on the 7th of November, 1847, at the age of 62. His legacy lived on through his children and grandchildren, many of whom went on to make their own mark in the legal, political, and business spheres of the colony. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential and respected figures in the early history of Van Diemen's Land, a man whose tireless efforts helped to shape the future of the colony and its people.
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