Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/529

 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 503 The late Mr. William Parkin ALTHOUGH several worthy pioneers continue with us, most of them are dead, leaving behind but the memory of their respected names and the fruits of their good works. One notable feature of such characters has been an admirable charity, forming monuments which must be viewed with affectionate esteem. Not satisfied with the good done during the course of their lives, some of them have left substantial bequests, which earn the gratitude of those who enjoy them and those who love charity in any form. A man of such kind was the late Mr. William Parkin, whose life-work will remain green in the memory ot the people he benefited so munificently. William Parkin was born at Glastonbury, near Barnstaple, England, on August 24, 1 80 1, and reached South Australia on September 18, 1839, in the ship Recovery. He was, therefore, one of the veteran colonists of the Province. It was his intention to enter into pastoral pursuits, but, seeing a good busi- ness for sale, he became a pioneer business man instead. Soon after his arrival he opened a drapery store in Hindley Street, Adelaide, on the site where Messrs. J. Miller Anderson & Co. are now estab- lished. There Mr. Parkin experienced all those severe buffets which were the common lot of early residents ; but, being a man of substance, these reverses did not cause him to "go under," as was the case with most of the South Australian merchants of that period. h>om Hindley Street he moved to Rundle Street, where he continued business on the site now occupied by Messrs. James Marshall & Co. For manv years the premises he built there were prominent landmarks of the city. Mr. Parkin's business increased greatly, and, after many years, he took a partner in with him. Finally he was able to retire upon a comfortable fortune. He was one of the largest shareholders in, and for years was Chairman of Directors of, the Wallaroo and Kadina Tramway Company, whose affairs he managed with conspicuous success. He was also a ^Kftm: '^ ■ i 1 V % ^^B^:' /i^ 1 ^1 ^