Source:
Biographical Register of the New South Wales Parliament 1856-1901 C.N. Connolly (Online)
Details:
Joseph Creer - Businessman. Born 1832 Isle of Man, son of Patrick, farmer, and Ann, nee Quirk. Married c. 1854 Liverpool, England, Annie Harrison; 5 sons and 4 daughters. Died 17 Aug. 1913 at Summer Hill, NSW. Carpenter by trade. Arr. NSW 1855; after some time became builder at Maitland and started broom factory there; cabinet maker, Newcastle 1870. Ruined by fire 1872, then started large auctioneering and general business for many years. Made first superintendent of NSW Labor Bureau by Dibbs govt. JP 1880. Member Public School Board. Prominent as Son of Temperance and Good Templar; president. Blue Ribbon organization in Newcastle. Alderman W. Maitland. Alderman Newcastle many years from 1875. Mayor MLA for Northumberland 16 Oct. 1885-6 June 1891.
Source:
The Australian Star
Details:
Joseph Creer, one of the best-known figures In political circles a decade ago was that of Mr. Joseph Creer, then one of the members for Northumberland. When Mr. Ninian Melville was Chairman of Committees His colleagues In the representation of the northern constituency under the old electoral system were Messrs. Creer and Walker. Since his retirement from politics Mr. Creer has been associated with the industrial life of the State by reason of his connection with the Government Labour Bureau. Full of years, but still hale and hearty, Mr. Creer has come to the conclusion that he has earned a holiday, and a rest from official work. He has therefore arranged to take a trip to the old world, to tour Europe, and to visit the place of his birth, the Isle of Man, and In the Interval to see the Coronation, and anything else worth seeing. He will return via Vancouver, and expects to reach his Australian home about five months, from date. As indicated above Mr. Creer Is a native of the Isle of Man. He came to Australia 47 years ago, and since then he has been full of business. He settled nearly half a century ago in the. northern districts, and was a prominent figure during the next 30 and 40 years in Maitland and Newcastle. He was an alderman of Maitland for some years before and in the seventies he removed to Newcastle, became an alderman of that city, filling the Mayoral chair In 1881. Shortly afterwards he took to larger political life, and being returned as one of the representatives of Northumberland sat for six or seven years In the Assembly. For ten years he was superintendent of the Government Labour Bureau, having been appointed by Sir Geo. Dibbs to that position In 1802, when the Institution was brought into existence under Mr. Creer s guidance. About five months ago he retired from the position; but was appoint ed one of the Labour Commissioners. In the 50s he took a prominent part with the promoters In the establishment of the School Arts and Debating Society at West Maitland. He established an auctioneering business In Newcastle, which grew Into a very large concern. He also built the Victoria Theatre at Newcastle, and during his residence In that city he Identified himself with all progressive movements. Mr. Creer sails by the Australia on April 16, and he will take with him the best wishes of a very wide circle of friends In the northern metropolis and In Sydney.
Source:
Adapted from The Aldine History of New South Wales. W.F. Morrison
Details:
Born in the Isle of Man in 1832 and arrived in Sydney in 1855. Settled in Maitland, taking a clerk's position in Paterson before returning to his trade as carpenter. Opened a shop in Hunter St Newcastle and carried on building and contracting. The shop was destroyed by fire in 1872. He then commenced as auctioneer and commission agent. Elected alderman which position he held until 1887
