Matthew Jackson – Boulder pioneer

Mathew Jackson

Matthew Jackson, a merchant of Boulder, was born in Alston, Cumberland, England on the 25 November 1865 and is a son of Mr. Joseph Jackson of the same place. The latter gentleman was one of the early prospectors of Victoria in 1860 and was the first to erect a puddling machine in the gold mining days of that state. Educated in his native town, upon leaving school he served his apprenticeship as a carpenter and wheelwright and after completing his five year indenture followed his calling in the old country until the early part of 1868, when he sailed for Australia. He arrived in Townsville, Queensland, and thence proceeded to Charters Towers where he worked his trade for a year. he then moved to Chillagoe and opened a hotel at a place called Muldiva where he carried on for five years.
Selling his interest there in 1894, Mr. Jackson’s journey to Western Australia, was attracted by the gold mining boom which was then at its height. He made his way to Coolgardie and started a business at Mt Burgess in the grocery and bakery line. This he relinquished after a short while to pursue the elusive gold. he journeyed to Mount Darlot and prospected in that district unsuccessfully for some time.

Mr M Jackson’s Store at 14 Burt Street, Boulder.

14 Burt Street Boulder 2018

After he returned to Coolgardie and his trading operation in March of 1896 he then came to the Boulder Block and opened a second store in the now populous center where for six years he carried on as a grocer and general merchant. His business expanded rapidly and in 1901 he found it necessary to open another store in the heart of Boulder City, it continued to operate from this central position on Burt Street. His career as one of Boulders Commercial men has been a very successful one, and he is included as one of those who aided in bringing the City to its prominent position.

Interior of M Jackson’s store in Burt Street Boulder.

He occupied a seat on the local council and was closely connected to the development of the mining industry where is was responsible for re-opening the Golden Ridge GM after it was abandoned. He was also the director of the Boulder City Brewery Co and has occupied this position for 5 years. he is a member and president of the Mines and City’s Workers Club and is a member of the Masonic Golden Pillar Lodge No 67 W.A.C. A keen sportsman, he was a member of the Boulder Racing Club and he played golf and bowls.

Western Mail 27 August 1936, page 18

He was married to Mary daughter of Michael Scanlan of Co Clare, Ireland, and has two daughters, both born in Kalgoorlie, Myrtle born in 1896, and Isabella born in 1900. He died on 6th Dec 1932 aged 67yrs.

Kalgoorlie Miner 23 December 1932, page 3

The sudden death from pneumonia of Mr. Matthew Jackson, chairman of the Boulder Racing Club, called forth many expressions of sympathy. The late Mr. Jackson left a widow and two daughters.: In token of sympathy over; two; hundred telegrams, cards, and visits of sympathy were convened to the bereaved relatives. He is buried in the Boulder Cemetery.

Boulder Cemetery- Photo by Danelle Warnock

Ref: The Cyclopedia of Western Australia

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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