14 Facts About Isaac Featherston

Isaac Featherston arrived in Wellington in May 1841 on the New Zealand Company ship Olympus as surgeon-superintendent.

In 1845, Isaac Featherston became the first editor of the Wellington Independent.

Isaac Featherston served in the first, second, third, and fourth Parliaments.

Isaac Featherston represented the Wanganui and Rangitikei electorate in the first parliament until he resigned on 9 August 1855, and then represented the City of Wellington electorate in the second, third and fourth parliaments.

Isaac Featherston was Colonial Secretary in 1861, and a Minister without Portfolio from 1869 to 1871, having been appointed in both instances by William Fox.

Isaac Featherston was heavily involved in the politics of Wellington Province.

Isaac Featherston was elected unopposed as the first Superintendent from 1853.

Isaac Featherston resigned from this post on 23 April 1858.

Isaac Featherston was re-elected on 28 June 1858 and held the post until 1870.

Isaac Featherston's superintendence oversaw some slow growth in Wellington before in 1865 it became the capital of the colony.

Isaac Featherston led a Maori contingent in several engagements, notably at Otapawa, and later alongside Gustavus von Tempsky.

Isaac Featherston was awarded the New Zealand Cross for bravery.

Isaac Featherston left a political legacy in his eight daughters.

Isaac Featherston was described as a complex and resolute figure, awed by his peers; yet quiet with a soft, well-spoken voice, very genial and fond of a joke.