Biographical entry Piesse, Frederick Henry (1853 - 1912)

Summary

Frederick Henry Piesse was a successful merchant who virtually built the town of Katanning. He established a flourishing wine industry, making wines that won awards in Perth, London and Paris.

Details

Born 6 December 1853. Died 29 June 1912. CMG 1908. Began his working life at the Northam general store. Pearl-fishing industry, Shark's Bay 1872-75, postmaster and telegraphist, Williams 1875-80. Launched at Williams the firm F. & C. Piesse 1880, branch opened at Arthur River 1881. Set up a portable store in 1886 following the progress of the Great Southern Line, finishing up at Katanning. Bought agricultural land near the railway and in 1891 built a flour-mill in Katanning. Established a wine industry, making wines that won awards in Perth, London and Paris. Member of Legislative Assembly 1890-1900, 1904-09.

Published resources

Book Sections

• Bignell, Merle, 'Piesse, Frederick Henry (1853-1912)', in Geoffrey Serle (ed.), Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 11, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne, 1988, pp. 229-230. Also available at http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A110234b.htm. Details

Online Resources

• National Library of Australia, 'Piesse, Frederick Henry', Trove, National Library of Australia and the Australian National Maritime Museum Darling Harbour, 2009, http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1466059. Details