Notable South Australians/William Randall
William Randall,
BORN at Idlicot, Warwickshire, December 9, 1820. Emigrated from the county of Northampton to South Australia in 1846, and arrived here in December of that year by the "Duke of Richmond." In conjunction with his "brother, Mr. David Randall, who had reached this colony in 1845, he brought capital with a view to investment. He first settled on a section to the east of Kensington, purchased land from the S. A. Company, and laid out a portion of College Town, He next bought a preliminary section from the same Company, and laid out the beautifully-situated township of Burnside, a place where many of our well-to-do citizens are now located. He then took a lease from Mr. Auld of Home Park and the adjoining sections, and commenced dairying operations, and entered into land and mining speculations; the latter unfortunately being attended with serious loss. His next venture was the purchase of Mr. H. Jones' property, now known as Randalsea, to which he removed with his family, dairy plant, etc., and in course of time so extended operations by further purchases from the S. A. Company and the Government, that his estate was one of the largest in that locality. Combining the pastoral, agricultural, and dairying interests, he produced cheese of a first-class quality, considered by competent judges nearly equal to English, and commanding a ready sale in Adelaide. The soil being suitable for cultivation of the vine, he devoted much time and attention thereto, and by irrigation achieved in a vineyard of thirty-four acres excellent results. Although never coming prominently before the public, Mr. Randall gave his support and influence for the furtherance of the material, moral and religious welfare of the district. He was appointed as councillor to represent Rapid Bay in the first District Council in the county of Hindmarsh, and on a new District Council being declared for Rapid Bay, he was elected chairman, and filled that office for nine years. He also took great interest in the volunteer movement, was appointed captain of the "Finniss Yale Rifles," and held this position till the volunteers of that period wore disbanded. He was appointed to the Commission of the Peace, and diligently performed the duties of that office for many years. He will be remembered by the residents of Glen Para and the South Rhine, as he resided there until 1878, when he left for Port Pirie, where he had been appointed to the Local Courts of that place and Redhill.