George Billson

George Billson (12 January 1817 – 9 February 1886) was an English-born Australian politician and brewer. He served as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly.

Biography George Billson was born on 12 January 1817 in Lincolnshire, England. His father was Joseph Billson, a surveryor, and his mother was Elizabeth Billson Antil. In 1842, he travelled to New Zealand for a year, after which he visited Sydney and Valparaíso and returned to England. In 1848, he moved to Adelaide for two years. He spent 1850 to 1852 as a miner in the California gold rush. After that, he moved to Bendigo and worked as a storekeeper. He supported Graham Berry's liberal government. but was defeated at the July 1880 election. He won the seat at the 1883 Victorian colonial election and subsequently held the seat until his death.

He died at his house in Beechworth on 9 February 1886, aged 69, from an ongoing heart disease. He had three sons and two daughters, including Alfred. A letter of condolences from MPs was signed by 24 liberal members of the Legislative Assembly, including future Prime Minister Alfred Deakin and former Premier Graham Berry. His son Alfred later represented the Electoral district of Ovens from 1904 to 1927.