Benjamin CowderoyPrint Page 
The plaque at the grave commemorates Benjamin Cowderoy (1812 - 1904) , first mayor of the Municipal Council of St Kilda.
Cowderoy designed St Kilda Council`s crest, selected its motto and his portrait is the first in the long line of mayoral paintings hanging in a corridor of the Town Hall. Cowderoy was the most persistent advocate of a customs union in Australia during the 1880`s. As secretary of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, Cowderoy fought relentlessly and determinedly for this goal.
He negotiated with chambers in the other colonies, organised conferences and lobbied governments. Ultimately he was unsuccessful. The merchants from around Australia could not reach agreement on their common interests. In the end it was not the practical men of business but the "poets, politicians and patriots" that succeeded in achieving union through the means of federation.
Location
| Address: | Dandenong Road & Hotham Street, St Kilda Cemetery, Church of England Compartment A Grave 321A, St Kilda East, 3183 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -37.859545 Long: 145.002672 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Government - Colonial |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Sunday 18th March, 2001 |
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This plaque was donated by the Port Phillip City Council
In recognition of Benjamin T. Cowderoy
The first Mayor of the Municipal Council of St Kilda
Born Reading England 22 January 1812
Died Notting Hill Victoria 1 October 1904 Aged 93 years
Also at rest
Martha Emma
Eldest daughter
Died 15 October 1907 Aged 75 years
Ellen Jane
Granddaughter
Died 24 December 1946 Aged 80 years
