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Samuel Elias Collins, born on November 22, 1788, in London, England, was the son of successful merchant Elias Collins and homemaker Mary Thompson. Exposed to business from a young age, he excelled at Westminster School before joining his father's trade. At 22, Samuel embarked on a solo journey, exploring opportunities in India, China, and Australia. In Sydney, he met entrepreneur William Jeffries Sr., and their partnership flourished, leading to the founding of Jeffries Industries in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). A skilled negotiator and strategist, Samuel played a crucial role in the company's expansion. Despite his successes, he remained private, focusing on philanthropy in his later years. Samuel passed away on August 5, 1848, in Hobart.
Samuel Elias Collins was born on November 22, 1788, in London, England, to a middle-class family. His father, Elias Collins, was a successful merchant, and his mother, Mary (née Thompson), was a homemaker. Growing up, Samuel was exposed to the world of business from a young age, often accompanying his father to the docks and warehouses where he conducted his trade.
As a young man, Samuel attended the prestigious Westminster School, where he excelled in mathematics and languages. His quick wit and natural charm made him popular among his peers, and he developed a reputation as a skilled negotiator and problem-solver.
After completing his education, Samuel joined his father's business, learning the intricacies of international trade and commerce. He quickly proved himself to be a valuable asset, using his language skills and cultural knowledge to forge new relationships with suppliers and customers across Europe and Asia.
In 1810, at the age of 22, Samuel embarked on a solo journey to the far reaches of the British Empire, seeking new opportunities for growth and expansion. His travels took him to India, China, and eventually, the penal colony of New South Wales in Australia.
It was in Sydney that Samuel first met William Jeffries Sr., a fellow entrepreneur with a keen eye for opportunity. The two men quickly recognised in each other a kindred spirit and a shared vision for the future of the colony. They began to collaborate on a series of business ventures, pooling their resources and expertise to navigate the challenges of the frontier economy.
As their partnership grew, Samuel and William became close friends and confidants. They shared a love of fine whiskey, chess, and spirited debate, often spending long evenings discussing philosophy, politics, and the future of the empire.
In 1815, Samuel accompanied William on his journey to Van Diemen's Land (present-day Tasmania), where they established a new base of operations. Samuel played a key role in the founding of Jeffries Industries, using his contacts and expertise to secure lucrative contracts and navigate the complex web of colonial politics.
As the company grew, Samuel remained a trusted advisor and strategist, helping William to expand into new markets and industries. He also served as a mentor to William's young son, William Jr., teaching him the skills and values that would one day make him a successful businessman in his own right.
Despite his many successes, Samuel remained a private and enigmatic figure, rarely speaking about his personal life or his past. Some whispered that he harboured a secret sorrow, a lost love or a hidden scandal that haunted him from across the years.
In his later years, Samuel became increasingly involved in philanthropic pursuits, using his wealth and influence to support education and social welfare initiatives across Tasmania. He was a generous patron of the arts, and his collection of rare books and artifacts was renowned throughout the colony.
Samuel Collins passed away on August 5, 1848, at the age of 59. He was buried in a quiet ceremony at St. David's Cemetery in Hobart, mourned by his friends and colleagues as a visionary leader and a true pioneer of the Australian frontier.
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