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William Robertson

1798 – 1874

Australian pastoralist, born 1798

SettlerShepherd
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About William Robertson

Lived 1798 – 1874 (aged 75). William Robertson was an Australian settler and shepherd.

William Robertson (7 October 1798 – 18 January 1874) was an Australian pastoralist.

Born in Scotland and emigrating to Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) he rose to prominence by becoming a member of the Port Phillip Association which led to the first European settlement of Victoria. He also explored the Western District of Victoria in the company of Joseph Gellibrand and William Buckley.

In 1834 he married Margaret Whyte of Berwick, Scotland, and they had four sons and three daughters. Robertson died on 18 January 1874, predeceased by his wife and a daughter; his extensive Colac property was divided equally between his sons, John (1837–1875), William (1839–1892), George Pringle (1842–1895) and James (1848–1890).

Robertson is listed at 141 in the All-Time Australian Rich List with a wealth of $1.83 billion (estimated 2004 value).

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Settler, shepherd
Nationality

People in William Robertson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Robertson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Robertson?

Australian pastoralist, born 1798

When was William Robertson born?

William Robertson was born on 7 October 1798 in Scotland.

When did William Robertson die?

William Robertson died on 18 January 1874.

What was William Robertson's occupation?

William Robertson was a settler and shepherd.

What nationality was William Robertson?

William Robertson was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Robertson

· Wikidata: Q8017662

· DBpedia: William Robertson (Australian settler)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Robertson. https://biography.guide/william-robertson-settler/

MLA: "William Robertson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-robertson-settler/.

Chicago: "William Robertson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-robertson-settler/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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