14 Facts About Edward Hargraves

Edward Hammond Hargraves was an Australian gold prospector who led an expedition in the Macquarie River region of New South Wales in 1851, and publicised the resulting finds, starting the New South Wales gold rush.

Edward Hargraves was educated in Brighton and Lewes, but left school at the age of 14 to go to sea.

Edward Hargraves married Elizabeth Mackay in Sydney in 1836, and in 1839 they moved to East Gosford.

Edward Hargraves was an agent for the General Steam Navigation Company and established the Fox Under The Hill Hotel.

In July 1849, Edward Hargraves left for the United States to participate in the California gold rush.

Edward Hargraves was unsuccessful but returned to Australia in January 1851 with knowledge of prospecting techniques and hopeful of discovering gold closer to home.

Edward Hargraves showed them the method of panning for gold and took them on a search of the Macquarie River area without success.

Edward Hargraves suggested that they build a cradle, to allow them to wash the soil more efficiently.

Edward Hargraves refused to share this money with Lister or the Tom brothers despite his earlier promises of a fair joint venture.

Edward Hargraves wrote a book entitled Australia and its Goldfields: a historical sketch of the Australian colonies from the earliest times to the present day with a particular account of the recent gold discoveries, published in 1855.

In 1851, Edward Hargraves was appointed Commissioner of Crown Lands in recognition for his reputed gold find.

Edward Hargraves went on to build "Norahville" at Noraville.

Some sources state that Edward Hargraves had "befriended" the Aboriginal tribe members.

Edward Hargraves left a small estate to his five surviving children.