The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Deshon, Edward
Deshon, Edward, Auditor-General, Queensland, was born at Belgaum, Bombay Presidency, in 1836, and educated at Bath Grammar School He became ensign in the 68th Light Infantry in June 1854, and was afterwards promoted to a lieutenancy, serving with his regiment at the siege and fall of Sebastopol from Nov. 1st, 1854, to the end of the war. Mr. Deshon was Instructor of Musketry to the 68th Light Infantry from Nov. 1857 to Oct. 1861, and passed the competitive examination for admission to the Staff College in 1861. In that year he sold his commission, and went to Queensland in 1862, where he became manager of the Caboolture Cotton Company, and the following year was accountant to the Moreton Bay Savings Bank. From 1865 to 1872 Mr. Deshon served as Pay and Revenue Clerk in the Treasury, being appointed in the latter year travelling inspector in the Audit Office—a post which he filled until Jan. 1st, 1879, when he became chief clerk of the Public Lands Department, and Under Secretary on Dec. 1st, 1882. On Jan. 1st, 1885, he received the appointment of member of the Land Board, under the provisions of the new Land Act, and was appointed to his present office in Dec. 1889.