Origins & Early Life

Admiral Sir James Stirling (28 January 1791 – 22 April 1865) was a British naval officer and colonial administrator. His enthusiasm and persistence persuaded the British Government to establish the Swan River Colony and he became the first Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Western Australia. In 1854, when Commander-in-Chief, East Indies and China Station, Stirling on his own initiative signed Britain's first Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty. Throughout his career Stirling showed considerable diplomatic skill and was selected for a number of sensitive missions.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Paradoxically, this was not reflected in his personal dealings with officialdom and his hopes for preferment received many rebuffs. Stirling also personally led the attack in Western Australia on a group of approximately seventy Bindjareb men, women and children now known as the Pinjarra massacre. Stirling entered the Royal Navy at age 12 and as a midshipman saw action in the Napoleonic Wars. Rapid promotion followed and when he was 21 he received his first command, the 28-gun sloop HMS Brazen, and, in the War of 1812 between the US and the UK, seized two prizes. Brazen carried the news of the end of that war to Vice Admiral...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Carl Czerny — Contemporary (Born in 1791) (1791): Austrian composer and pianist, renowned for his pedagogical works and connection to Beethoven and Liszt.
• Charles Babbage — Contemporary (Born in 1791) (1791): Pioneering polymath credited with originating the concept of the digital programmable computer.
• Dutty Boukman — Contemporary (Died in 1791) (1791): Key leader in the Haitian Revolution, formerly enslaved from Senegambia.
• Abraham Isaac Kook — Contemporary (Born in 1865) (1865): Pioneering Orthodox Rabbi and Father of Religious Zionism.
• Abraham Lincoln — Contemporary (Died in 1865) (1865): 16th President of the United States; guided the nation through the Civil War.
• Akseli Gallen-Kallela — Contemporary (Born in 1865) (1865): Pioneering Finnish painter, celebrated for national romanticism and the Kalevala.
• Alan Alda — Shared historical date (01-28 · Born) (1936): Esteemed American actor celebrated for M*A*S*H and decades of versatile performances.
• André the Giant — Shared historical date (01-28 · Died) (1993): French wrestler and actor, famed for his colossal size and wrestling career.
• Aaron Spelling — Shared historical date (04-22 · Born) (1923): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alan Bond — Shared historical date (04-22 · Born) (1938): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• 1791 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1791
• January 28 (01-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 28
• 1865 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1865
• April 22 (04-22) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 22