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William Moffitt William Moffitt i(A98640 works by)
Born: Established: 1802 Liverpool, Merseyside,
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England,
c
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United Kingdom (UK),
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Western Europe, Europe, ; Died: Ceased: 31 Jul 1874 Sydney, New South Wales,
Gender: Male
Arrived in Australia: 25 Jul 1827
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BiographyHistory

After completing an apprenticeship as a bookbinder in his native town of Liverpool, William Moffitt was convicted of a theft and sentenced to seven years transportation in 1823. On the expiration of his sentence, Moffitt set up as a bookbinder, stationer, engraver and printer in King Street, Sydney, relocating to Pitt Street a few years later. His business prospered, and in 1842 he was able to take his wife and two daughters on a trip to England.

On his return Moffitt was for a time a director of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, but according to L. F. Fitzhardinge in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, 'in general [Moffitt] avoided public life, devoting himself to his business and to unobtrusive acts of private benevolence'.

Moffitt was among the most successful of early Australian booksellers and died in 1874 a wealthy man.

Most Referenced Works

Notes

  • See also the full Australian Dictionary of Biography Online entry for William Moffitt.
Last amended 19 Aug 2011 11:06:48
See Also
W. Moffitt
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