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Henry Wills Rischbieth (1869–1925)

Henry Rischbieth, n.d.

Henry Rischbieth, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 September 1925

The name of the late Henry Wills Rischbieth will ever be identified with the development of the stock industry of Western Australia, and his memory will be associated with many benevolent institutions in the State.

The late Mr. Rischbieth was born at Glenelg, in South Australia, in 1869, and he died in England on 27th March, 1925. He was educated at Prince Alfred College, and in youth was a prominent athlete. He joined the stock and station firm of Luxmore, Coombs and Co., and later went to Bradford for wool experience. On returning to Australia he purchased the stock, wool and skin business of Mofflin and Rickards, and under the name of Henry Wills and Co. carried it on until bad health caused him to dispose of several branches of it to the firm of Willcox, Mofflin and Co.

The late Mr. Rischbieth had great faith in the future of Western Australia. Among other activities he carried on the Hawkhurst stud farm under the management of Mr. Robert Carroll, and for over twenty years the Hawkhurst stock formed a prominent feature in the Perth Royal Show, where for many years they succeeded in winning the Governor's Cup for the highest number of points gained in the stock sections.

In 1919 Mr. Rischbieth purchased the Woodyarrup estate of 14,000 acres from the late John Hassell, and at once entered into a vigorous policy of development, and at the time of his death three-quarters' of the estate had been cleared and brought under the plough, and had been fertilised with phosphates and sown to fodders.

In 1924 the firm of Dennys, Lascelles, Henry Wills and Co. was formed to handle the wool section of the business he had so effectively built up.

The late Mr. Rischbieth was among the most keen, yet modest, of men. He never took part in public affairs, but was a keen judge of character, and scores of settlers and practically all the benevolent institutions were generously but unostentatiously helped by him. He left an estate estimated at £300,000, and his will provided for large donations to a wide range of charities.

Original publication

Citation details

'Rischbieth, Henry Wills (1869–1925)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/rischbieth-henry-wills-858/text859, accessed 9 November 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Henry Rischbieth, n.d.

Henry Rischbieth, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 September 1925