Rotton, Henry, 1814 – 1881

Henry Rotton (1814-1881), pastoralist and parliamentarian, was born in England, son of Gilbert and Mary Rotton. After some years on merchant vessels Rotton arrived in Australia in 1836 on board the ship 'Emma'. From 1843 to 1848 he was the licensee of an Inn at Bathurst and in 1849 became the proprietor of the mail-coach service between Bathurst and Sydney. In 1853 he acquired 'Blackdown', near Kelso, where he engaged in horse and cattle breeding. He also acquired other pastoral interests.

Rotton was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Western Boroughs (1858-1859) and Hartley (1859-1864). Rotton's daughter Caroline married H.T. Keightley who was held for ransom by bushranger Ben Hall in 1863. [ref:ADB 6]