Alfred Kennerley

A pragmatic merchant turned premier who guided Tasmania through a period of economic transition in the 1870s.

1810–1897 (age 87)·Australian politician·Birthday: October 10

Photo: John Watt Beattie · Public domain

Biography

Alfred Kennerley arrived in Van Diemen's Land from England as a young man, building a life first in commerce before entering the political arena. His background as a merchant and shipowner informed a practical, fiscally-minded approach to governance. Elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly, he served as Premier from 1873 to 1876, a tenure marked by efforts to manage public debt and develop infrastructure, including railways, during a challenging economic period. Beyond politics, he was a significant figure in Hobart's civic life, involved in banking and insurance, and served as the city's mayor. His legacy is that of a steady, business-oriented leader who helped steer the colony through the complexities of the late 19th century.

#1 When Alfred Was Born

The biggest hits of 1810

Alfred's Life & Times

The world at every milestone

1810Born

1815Started school

1823Became a teenager

1826Could drive

1828Could vote

1831Turned 21

1840Turned 30

1850Turned 40

1860Turned 50

1870Turned 60

President: Ulysses S. Grant

1880Turned 70

Edison patents the incandescent light bulb

President: Rutherford B. Hayes

1890Turned 80

Wounded Knee massacre marks the end of the Indian Wars

President: Benjamin Harrison

1897Died at 87

President: William McKinley

Key Achievements

Served as Premier of Tasmania from August 1873 to July 1876.
Held the position of Mayor of Hobart on two separate occasions.
Played a key role in the development of Tasmanian railway infrastructure during his premiership.