User:Gnangarra/sandbox/Charles Sommers

Died : 21 March 1922 aged 60
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born c1862

MLC 1902-1918

Wife died : 12 Nov 1915 in a buggy accident


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Early Life
Mr. Charles Sommers was born in Geelong, Victoria, in 1862. He received his education at the Geelong Grammar School, and after leaving that institution he engaged in farming in the Bendigo district, where he served his apprenticeship in practical farming and shosp-breeding. After following agricultural and pastoral pursuits in this manner for four vears, he took up a farm in Gippsland, and remained there for four more years. While there he joined the Traralgon Shire Council — being then only 21 years of age — and was a member of that body for upwards of three years. Subsequently he went to Geelong to join his brother-in-law, who was then mayor of the town, in his business of stock and station and farm and produce agent. While in Geelong he became a member of the town council, and unsuccessfully contested the seat for the district- in the Legislative Assembly. He came over to the West in 1895. This was not his first visit to the State, however, as he had once or twice before come across to inspect land with the object of taking up some for agricultural and pastoral purposes. While he was over here on this visit, however, his brother, who had a large interest in the Victoria- Hotel, Coolgardie, died, and he was compelled to take over the management of that establishment. He has resided in Coolgardie ever since. The licence for the hotel will expire on the 14th of next month, and, previously to having been invited to join the Ministry, Mr. Sommers had decided to settle on an estate of 2.500 acres which he had obtained near Pinjarrah. While he was in Coolgardie Mr. Sommers was elected to the position of mayor, which position he at present occupies. About twelve months ago, during the time of the federation fight, he was elected member for the North-East Province in the Legislative Council, following on the resignation of Mr. H. G. Parsons.