William Little (Australian poet)

William Little (1839–1916) was an Australian politician and poet.

Early life
William Little was born on 7 February 1839 in Cumberland, Cumbria, England. He emigrated to Australia with his family in 1851, arriving at Corio Bay when he was twelve years old. Two years later, at the age of fourteen, he got his first job as a messenger in the Geelong Customs House in Geelong and later worked as a clerk for Mr James Oddie. He graduated from the University of Melbourne.

Career
From 1880 onwards, he worked as an auctioneer, a real estate agent, and an insurance and finance agent in Ballarat. Additionally, he served as a Justice of the Peace. He then served as a City Councillor from 1883 to 1892 and as Mayor of Ballarat from 1889 to 1891. As Mayor, on Arbour Day 1890, he added 1,250 trees to Victoria Park. He also served as a lay preacher in the Wesleyan Church, and he was a Freemason.

He became a prolific poet, writing under the pen-name of 'Lambda'. He also published short stories, an essay, historical articles and guidebooks.

Personal life
He married Catherine Walford Cazaly.

Death
He died on 2 October 1916 in Ballarat.