sketcher and public servant, was born in Leicester, England, on 17 November 1807, eldest son of William Hurst and Mary Ann, née Stevenson. Believed to have arrived at Hobart Town on board the Lord Sidmouth with his mother, brothers and sisters in February 1823, Hurst was appointed to a clerical position in the Survey Department in July 1826, became a draughtsman in 1831 and was later chief draughtsman. He remained with the department until dismissed early in 1850. In 1829 he and his father had been accused of acting with great impropriety when they sold two suburban allotments, and throughout his career in the department Hurst certainly used his knowledge to his own advantage. His superiors, however, spoke of his invaluable services performed with integrity 'to the sacrifice of his health’ and he was especially commended for his success in coping with the increased work caused by an alteration to land licensing regulations in 1847. His dismissal followed the discovery that he had changed the boundaries of a neighbouring property to make up a deficiency in an allotment that he himself had purchased. He petitioned against his discharge, sending in supporting letters from several solicitors and magistrates, all testifying to his usefulness as a public servant, but the dismissal was upheld.
In June 1833 Hurst married Thirza Chipman in St David’s Cathedral; they had a large family. Hurst was elected to the Hobart City Council in January 1857 but died five months later, on 17 May. He was buried in the Wesleyan Cemetery, Hill Street, West Hobart. His obituarist spoke of his generosity to charitable causes and of his disposition and manner which had won the esteem of all. His only known art works are pencil portraits of members of his family. Those of his parents are in the Van Diemen’s Land Folk Museum; portraits of his sister Sarah Hurst, his niece Mary Ann Heath and his brother-in-law Henry Pearce are held privately.
- Writers:
- Glover, Margaret
- Date written:
- 1992
- Last updated:
- 2011
