Obituaries Australia

Alexander Tolmer, c1885

State Library of South Australia, 8504/3

Mr. Alexander Henry Dinning Tolmer, of Carter-street, Prospect, died on Tuesday, at the age of 88. Born in Kent, he came to the State with his parents at an early age. His father, Colonel Alexander Tolmer, became an inspector of police, and later Commissioner. Mr. A. H. D. Tolmer was one of the eldest scholars of St. Peter's College, being educated there when the college was held in a room at the rear of Trinity Church, Adelaide. He went to the cattle station of Mr. John Baker at Lake Albert, after leaving school. As a drover, he made a number of long trips with cattle. He took a herd to a station on the River Darling, the journey occupying three months. On other occasions he drove cattle from Wilpena station to Buckland Park, and sheep from Booboorowie to Mount Gambier. He became manager of the Mikkira station, Port Lincoln, in 1864, and the following year married Miss Emma Poulger. Other stations which he managed were Talia, Pondona, near the Gawler Ranges, and Arkaba. On behalf of Messrs. George Fife Angas, and Harrold Brothers, he explored Eyre Peninsula in search of pastoral country. He subsequently acquired an orangery at Paradise, and while living near the city, had a seat on the Stock Exchange, and was a member of the Campbelltown District Council. At the age of 70 he again went on the land and remained for seven years on a farm at Bugle Ranges. He left a widow, a daughter (Mrs. P. Acraman, Thorngate), and a son (Mr. H. G. Tolmer, Woodside).