Holt, Thomas, 1811 – 1888

Thomas Holt (1811-1888), wool merchant, financier and parliamentarian, was born at Horbury, Yorkshire, England, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Holt. Holt arrived in Sydney, with his wife Sophie, in 1842. Holt was a wool buyer, a magistrate and a prominent financier in Sydney. In 1850 he became a director of the Sydney Tramway and Railway Co. and between 1851 and 1880 he acquired interests in numerous NSW and QLD pastoral properties. In August 1861 he bought an estate, the Holt Sutherland Estate, extending from Botany Bay to Port Hacking and including Captain Cook's landing place where he erected an obelisk in the centenary year. The Holt-Sutherland Estate Land Co. Ltd., was formed in 1881 with a 56 year lease of the property. His son, Frederick Samuel Ellis Holt was managing trustee of his estate.

Thomas Holt was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Stanley Boroughs (1856-1857) and Newtown (1861-1864). He was appointed a member of the NSW Legislative Council (1868-1883). Holt was Colonial Treasurer from June to August 1856. In 1881 Holt returned with his wife to England where he engaged in charitable works until his death in 1888. [ref:ADB 4]