James George Lee Steere

Sir James George Lee Steere was a Western Australian politician and a prominent member of the six hungry families.

Biography

James Steere was born on 4 July 1830 in Ockley, Surrey, England. He was the third of six sons of Lee Steere of Jayes, and his wife Anne, Watson. He went to Clapham Grammar School.
He was knighted in 1888, and appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in the New Year Honours list January 1900.

Personal life

He married Catherine Anne Leake, daughter of Sir Luke Leake, in 1859. They had 15 children, 11 of whom outlived him. Catherine died on 6 November 1922.

Death

He died in Perth, Western Australia, on 1 December 1903, and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. Artist Florence Fuller posthumously painted his portrait, which was acquired by the Art Gallery of Western Australia.