George Scarfe

George Scarfe (c. 1826 – 14 April 1903) was an English-born merchant in Adelaide, South Australia, a partner in the firm of George P. Harris, Scarfe, & Co., later known as Harris Scarfe. Scarfe was called a "genius of commerce",[1] he was largely credited with the firm's early success and gained great personal wealth. His brother T. R. Scarfe (1843–1915), nephew F. G. Scarfe (1867–1961) and Frederick George's son-in-law C. C. Deeley were prominent in the 20th century development of the company.

Biography

Scarfe first arrived in South Australia in February 1849 aboard Candahar from Plymouth, English presumably to assess the business opportunities in the new British colony. John C. Lanyon and George P. Harris, who were in business together, were fellow-passengers,[2] but it is not known whether he was then an associate. Scarfe returned to Britain at some not-too-distant date, perhaps as their London agent, as he was back at Port Adelaide aboard Frances Henty in July 1853.

He was soon employed by Lanyon & Harris at 43 Hindley Street, but in what capacity and for how long is not clear.

Family

"'Two of his brothers. Messrs: Alfred and Augustus Scarfe, are dead, another is in America, and Messrs Charles C. Scarfe and T. R. Scarfe reside in this State. The latter gentleman lives at Eden Park, Marryatville, and is one of the directors of the firm of Messrs. George P. Harris, Scarfe, & Co. Two sisters survive him, both residing in England. One is the wife of Mr. F. N. Scarfe, a very early colonist, who was once Mayor of Norwood. The other is unmarried. The remains of Mr. Scarfe will be buried in the family vault at the North-road Cemetery.'[10]" His estate was sworn not to exceed £800,000. Brothers Charles Claxon Scarfe of Norwood and Thomas Roger Scarfe of Adelaide were his executors. Provision was made for ten cottages, to be known as "Scarfe Homes" for the use of industrious indigent aged workers and widows. Provision was made for various family members. The estate being considerable, it attracted attention from the legal fraternity on behalf of relatives who had been left out.[11] Siblings and others mentioned in reference to the will were:

Other relations mentioned in his will or in the legal proceedings which followed:

Alfred Scarfe (c. 1832 – 4 May 1881) had a business at Port Adelaide with brother Augustus.

Charles Claxon Scarfe (c. 1835 – 8 September 1903) married Anne or Ann Birrell (c. 1847 – 4 September 1887) on 3 July 1866. He left a substantial sum to his family.

(Claxon Alexander) Frederick George Scarfe (1 May 1867 – 18 March 1961) was a director in 1925, manager in 1929, married Mary Florence Birrell (c. 1872 – 16 September 1931) on 27 March 1895;[12] lived Victoria Ave, Unley Park.

Audrey Howard Scarfe married Charles Clifford Deeley (4 March 1892 – 28 October 1975) in 1920.[13] He was actively involved in the firm.

Alfred Augustus Scarfe (died 28 July 1944) married Emma Elizabeth Lyons on 3 January 1895 lived "Kenilworth", Beulah-road, and in 1903 purchased his late uncle's property "Wattle Park" at auction.[14]

Augustus Thomas Scarfe (20 April 1838 – 12 May 1896). His name is on the Scarfe memorial, North Road cemetery.

Frederick Scarfe, about whom nothing has been found; perhaps the American brother mentioned above

Francis Scarfe (died before GS) married and had five daughters and one son

Thomas Roger Scarfe (30 March 1843 – 19 March 1915) married Teresa Mary Gertrude Birrell (died 3 August 1942) in 1895. Actively involved in the firm, he died a wealthy man, leaving considerable sums to a range of Catholic and other charitable institutions.[15]

Louisa C. S. I. Scarfe married Frederick Norman Scarfe in 1850. He may have been a cousin, but his family connection is not known. He was mayor of Kensington and Norwood in 1861.

Eliza Ann Fuller (née Scarfe) had four daughters; died before GS.

sister Ellen Laura Scarfe, perhaps the unmarried sister in London mentioned above

sister Frances Walters (née Scarfe)

(cousin) Frederick Norman Scarfe married Mary (died 21 June 1865) in 1850. His son George Norman Scarfe married cousin Flora Scarfe of Clapham Common on 2 June 1898

(nephew) Frederick George Alexander Scarfe

(nephew) Herbert Ernest Scarfe married Adelaide Scarfe, of Finchley, London on 23 September 1899

(nephew) Norman Scarfe

(nephew) Roland Scarfe

(niece) Mrs Francis Walters

(niece) Flora Scarfe

birth place	Plymouth, England, United Kingdom
birth date	c. 1826
death date	14 April 1903
occupation	Merchant
known for	Co-founder of Harris Scarfe with George P. Harris (as George P. Harris, Scarfe and Co.)
family	George P. Harris (brother)

Biography

Other business interests

Family

Later history

References