Stuart Mill - VIC

Stuart Mill was named after John Stuart Mill the celebrated political economist. Previously known as Albert Town in honour of Prince Albert, it was changed to avoid confusion with Alberton in Gippsland. The first settler was Mr Sanderson, his Homestead being on the number two storage at Teddington Reservoir. Alluvial gold is found in June 1861 by Andrew stranger and party. The end of September 1861 saw 700 men on the field and a canvas town of tents stores and hotels. Mary Hannah Hiles infant daughter of JW Hiles the teacher was the first burial. Another rush started in 1869 making Stuart Mill a city of the North. Several private schools functioned before 1870 and the first government School opened under the head teacher Thomas Saunders in 1880. the average attendance was 160 pupils.