William Stitt Jenkins William Stitt Jenkins i(A18140 works by) (a.k.a. W. Stitt Jenkins)
Born: Established: 30 Jun 1812 Cumbria (County),
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England,
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United Kingdom (UK),
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Western Europe, Europe, ; Died: Ceased: 1 Aug 1878 Melbourne, Victoria,
Gender: Male
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BiographyHistory

William Stitt Jenkins lived in Geelong from ca. 1853 until he moved to Melbourne in 1876. A bricklayer by trade, he became a prominent figure in civic affairs and was also a leading temperance advocate. In the years prior to his death he briefly worked as a secretary for the Victorian Premier, and then M.L.A. for Geelong West, Sir Graham Berry.

At Geelong, Jenkins gained a reputation for his odes and poems, many of which were written for special occasions. However, contemporary critics generally viewed him as a rhymester rather than a serious poet, and at one point the Argus depreciatingly referred to him as 'the laureate of Geelong'.

Most Referenced Works

Notes

  • 'The Barrabool stone components of the William Stitt Jenkins Dog Fountain are the surviving remnants of a once elaborate drinking fountain built in 1860 and specifically for the use of animals. Originally located at the intersection of Railway Terrace and Mercer Street, and subsequently moved to the Market Square in 1879, this fountain was erected under the auspices of prominent Geelong settler and businessman, William Stitt Jenkins. Jenkins was the founder of a local movement to provide drinking fountains and water troughs' at strategic location in Geelong for the use of quadrupeds. The fountain of a semi-circular troughs, is modeled on Classical prototypes by the Architects Backhouse & Reynolds.' Source: http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/ (Sighted 27/05/2011).
Last amended 30 May 2018 11:32:55
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