Whitington family
William Smallpeice Whitington was an early English settler in South Australia, founder of the shipping company Whitington & Co. He emigrated on his own ship New Holland, arriving in South Australia in July 1840. That cargo, which made for him a tidy profit, included Falklandina and Actæon, the colony's first thoroughbred mare and stallion, the basis of John Baker's racing stud. He brought in South Australia's first steamers: Corsair and Courier, and the brig Enterprise for trading between the colony's ports. The ships went into service just as overland routes were opening up, and proved a costly mistake.
He later invested in a number of mining ventures, at a substantial loss. His descendants included a number of notable individuals.
Family
William Smallpeice Whitington married Mary Emily Martin, daughter of Aaron Martin, on 23 January 1840. Their family and descendants included:- Lucretia Sturt Whitington was partially named for her godfather, Charles Sturt.
- George Falkland Whitington, educated at Adelaide Educational Institution, qualified as a solicitor but several times on the wrong side of the law.
- Peter Whitington senior public servant, born at "Surrey Farm", near Balhannah, student at Adelaide Educational Institution, married Jennette Isabella Lyons on 20 December 1872. He and Tom Gill were commissioned to report on the public service in 1902.
- John Bull Whitington director, Southern region, South Australian Railways
- Tom Phillipson Whitington 9 December 1849 – 1923
- Frederick Taylor Whitington married Kate Lisette "Katie" Butler on 1 October 1878. She was a daughter of Richard Butler. He was Archdeacon of Hobart 1895–1927.
- R McDonnell Whitington married Eliza Rose Morrison on 11 November 1881. He was head teacher at Alma North, Mount Bryan East, Lucieton, Robe, then Reynella.
- Arthur Onslow Whitington married Evelyn/Evalin? Amelia Gason on 31 March 1877. He was secretary, South Australian Jockey Club 1881–1919.
- Florence Blanche Whitington