Edward John Eyre was born on August 5th, 1815 to a Reverend Anthony William Eyre and his wife Sarah. He attended grammar school and shortly after moved to Sydney, Australia. While in Australia he became a shepherd before the age of eighteen. He eventually sold his sheep and cattle in order to fund his explorations of interior Australia.
These explorations were grueling. The first of which Eyre was accompanied by an Aborigine name Wylie. This expedition led Eyre to claim the title of being the first European to travel across the coast of the Great Australian Bight and the Nullarbor Plain by land. Eyre originally set off with John Baxter and two other Aboriginals. However, the two other Aboriginals murdered Baxter and stole the majority of the supplies. The only reason for Eyre and Wylie's survival was because a French whaling ship helped them and restocked their supplies. Eyre and Wylie eventually reached Albany. For this heroic trip Eyre was awarded the founder's gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society.
In 1850 Eyre married Adelaide Ormond. During this time he held the title of Lieutenant-Governor of New Munster Province located in New Zealand. In 1854, he became Governor of many Caribbean island colonies. His governance of the colony of Jamaica led to much controversy in England as he stifled a rebellion and had many black peasants killed.
These explorations were grueling. The first of which Eyre was accompanied by an Aborigine name Wylie. This expedition led Eyre to claim the title of being the first European to travel across the coast of the Great Australian Bight and the Nullarbor Plain by land. Eyre originally set off with John Baxter and two other Aboriginals. However, the two other Aboriginals murdered Baxter and stole the majority of the supplies. The only reason for Eyre and Wylie's survival was because a French whaling ship helped them and restocked their supplies. Eyre and Wylie eventually reached Albany. For this heroic trip Eyre was awarded the founder's gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society.
In 1850 Eyre married Adelaide Ormond. During this time he held the title of Lieutenant-Governor of New Munster Province located in New Zealand. In 1854, he became Governor of many Caribbean island colonies. His governance of the colony of Jamaica led to much controversy in England as he stifled a rebellion and had many black peasants killed.
Despite this negative light on Eyre he was featured on a postage stamp in 1970, seen above. The postage stamp was not the only recognition of Eyre. He also has many geographical features named after him. Some of these feature include Lake Eyre, Eyre Peninsula, Eyre River, Eyre highway, and a settlement bearing his name.
Eyre died in November of 1901. He was survived by his wife, four sons, and daughter.
Eyre died in November of 1901. He was survived by his wife, four sons, and daughter.