English-born Charles Ferris Lewis arrived in Sydney in 1849. He joined the rush to the Californian goldfields, returning to Sydney in 1853. Lewis again sought gold, moving to the Ballarat-Bendigo region of Central Victoria where he met with considerable success.
Lewis settled at New Bendigo in 1855 and 'devoted himself to promoting the district's welfare'. He was a local councillor from 1862 to 1867, but resigned his position to focus on a new enterprise - the St Arnaud Mercury.
Lewis eventually became a director of the Country Press Association. He was also active in the affairs of the Church of England, the Freemasons and the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
'Affectionately known as "the Father of St Arnaud", Lewis died suddenly on 3 May 1900 and was buried in the local cemetery, survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons, Charles Ferris and Thomas George, who carried on the Mercury until 1929.'
Source:Jean Gittins, 'Lewis, Charles Ferris (1828-1900)',
Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/lewis-charles-ferris-4018/text6373,
Sighted: 24/04/2013
