Sheard JP Alfred
| Type of person | Individual |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1855 |
| Principal occupation | Owned the Drapers Store in Essex House Murray Street |
| Date of death | 1924 |
Mr Alfred Sheard JP
Alfred Sheard was born at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England on August 30 1855. His family moved to London shortly after he was born and his father operated a wholesale business in Skinner Street. Alfred gained good business experience working for his father and decided to emigrate to Australia, arriving in South Australia on October 24 1884.
Alfred arrived in Gawler a week later to manage the small drapery business of Mr J. J. Callaghan. In early 1886 during a period of economic downturn, Mr Callaghan retired and in February 1886 Alfred decided to commence business on his own account in a shop, named by a previous owner, Mr Henry Joseph Garrood as “Essex House”. This store is not the one we see today. Alfred’s business thrived and he bought the two small adjoining shops to the north, always adding and extending the shop and in 1898 he extended his drapery business into one of the adjoining shops he owned to the north.
Alfred Sheard fully established his life in Gawler, marrying Miss Farmer whose mother was a small trader in the town. Alfred’s wife was often seen assisting at the counter of the Drapery business. His first home was a cottage near the Congregational Church. He may have lived in other homes in Gawler after this but we do know he purchased a house from Charles Cross the chemist, in Blanch Street, Gawler East on 24th June 1891. The home at 9 Blanch Street is known as “Brentwood” probably named by Alfred. This house was enlarged and embellished with cast iron lace and attractive painted glass decoration in around 1896/97, further underlining the success of his business in Gawler.
The Sheard’s had six children, 3 daughters and 3 sons. One of his sons, Lieutenant A. E. (Ted) Sheard died from his wounds in WWI March 29th 1917.
In 1905 with Alfred’s business still growing and employing between 22 and 30 staff, he virtually demolished the existing store and rebuilt “Essex House” which is the present southern half of the store you can see today complete with its Flying Fox cash payment system. At the time he also operated a Boot, Shoe and Leather goods business on the eastern side of Murray Street opposite Essex House. In 1911 he leased another adjoining shop to the north of Essex House and by 1912 he had demolished it and reproduced a duplicate of the southern part of Essex House, doubling its street frontage. Essex house is listed as a Historic building on the Register of the National Estate.
Alfred’s involvement in Gawler’s community and cultural organisations was extensive, underlining his good citizenship - these are listed below :-
• Town Councillor
• Gawler School of Mines & Industries - Member of council
• The Gawler Permanent Building and Investment Society - Trustee
• Gawler Agricultural Society - Committee member
• Congregational Church - Deacon & treasurer
• Congregational Literary Society - Chair
• Gawler Bowling Club - Founding committee member & treasurer
• Gawler Tourists’ Tennis Club - Vice president
• Gawler Central Football Club - Patron
• Gawler Cricket Association - President
• Gawler Implement Manufacturing Co Ltd – Director
In April 1912 Alfred sold his Gawler home, “Brentwood” and was later living at Mt Lofty. He drew back from his business in later years which was then being run by his two sons, Messrs H.L. and V. Sheard, with occasional visits by Alfred.
After WW1 Alfred made a generous donation to the town by means of a gift of land and the building upon it, namely the property of Gawler Implement Company given to the Committee for the erection of a Memorial Institute in honour of the soldiers who served in the war. It appears that this building never eventuated possibly due to cost constraints.
In 1924 Alfred and his wife travelled back to England and along with a few other “Gawlerites” they were planning some relaxed sightseeing, however Alfred died suddenly in England on 7th July 1924 aged 68. Mrs Sheard was supported in her grief by family and friends including those from Gawler travelling in England.
Alfred Sheard’s business continued to operate under the Executors of his estate (Elders Trustees and his two sons) until 1930 when the business was purchased by Mr Henry Burgess Crosby.
Prepared by : Geoff Watson
Acknowledged Sources : Bunyip, Trove, Australian Heritage Database.
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