22 Facts About Robert Gouger

Robert Gouger was one of the founders of South Australia and the first Colonial Secretary of South Australia.

Robert Gouger was educated at Nottingham, England, and on leaving school he entered his father's office.

Robert Gouger became friendly with Robert Owen of Lanark and, influenced by him, began taking an interest in social issues.

In 1829 Robert Gouger became associated with Edward Gibbon Wakefield and assisted him in advocating his colonization schemes.

In November 1829, Robert Gouger ended up in King's Bench Prison as a result of a debt to the printer.

Robert Gouger worked untiringly with Wakefield, many obstacles had to be surmounted and many compromises made, but in August 1834 the act for the establishment of South Australia became law.

In May 1835 Robert Gouger applied for the position of colonial secretary for South Australia.

Robert Gouger disagreed strongly with Wakefield about the price to be asked for land in the new colony and they became estranged in June 1835.

Robert Gouger had been married to Harriet Jackson on 22 October 1835.

On 28 December 1836, as senior member of the council, Robert Gouger administered the oaths of office to the newly arrived governor Sir John Hindmarsh.

Robert Gouger had a troubled time in South Australia, and to the many discomforts of a new settlement was added anxiety for his wife's health.

Robert Gouger died on 14 March 1837 and his infant son died two days later.

Robert Gouger felt this very deeply and the sympathy of his many friends could not atone for what he considered to be a great injustice.

Robert Gouger had busied himself on the voyage in preparing South Australia in 1837 in a Series of Letters.

Robert Gouger found that the new governor, Colonel Gawler, was beset with difficulties in which Robert Gouger shared.

Robert Gouger eventually felt that the strain was too great and asked that he might resign his position and take up the less exacting one of colonial treasurer.

Robert Gouger continued in this position until 1844 when he resigned on account of his health and returned to England on board the Symmetry, leaving Port Adelaide on 16 December 1844, and sailing via Cape Town, under Captain Elder.

Robert Gouger was a member of the South Australian Legislative Council from 28 December 1836 to 22 August 1837 and 8 July 1839 to 16 October 1841.

Robert Gouger was a committed member of Freemasonry and a founding member of the South Australian Lodge of Friendship.

Robert Gouger was elected and initiated into the Craft at the first meeting of that Lodge which was held on 27 November 1834 at the South Australian Association in London.

Robert Gouger has an honoured place among the founders of South Australia.

Wakefield was the controlling mind, but Robert Gouger was his able and hard-working representative at a time when it was impossible for Wakefield to take any prominent part in affairs.