Family background
No birth place or date for Acton Sillitoe has been found in NSW, suggesting that he was born in England. Acton Sillitoe married Sarah Ball on 28 January 1836 at Saint Clement Danes, Westminster, London, England. Their first child Acton Windeyer Sillitoe was born on 12 July 1840 in Sydney. A daughter Rosalba was born in 1842 and a son in May 1844. In 1885, Sarah Sillitoe, possibly his widow, married Angus Bannerman in Kempsey.
Occupation & interests
In July 1840, Acton Sillitoe Esquire was a merchant in Phillip Street. In April 1842 he was an actuary who was criticised at a meeting of the Mutual Insurance Association but was re-elected actuary in August. In January 1844 he advertised boxes of tea for sale at his King Street premises. He was chairman of the general meeting of the Proprietors and Assistant Drapers held at the School of Arts in October 1844. In the late 1840s, he built The Willows in Darling Point Road. He won a prize at the Floral and Horticultural Exhibition in January 1845 and was credited with introducing cork oaks to New South Wales. In June 1852 he was declared insolvent.
Community activity
Acton Sillitoe was a Trustee of St James Church in 1848 and in 1850 contributed to the Church of St Paul, Pennant Hills.
Local government service
Acton Sillitoe became an Assessor for Brisbane Ward for the City Council in September 1842. He was elected a Foundation councillor for Bourke Ward, 1 November 1844 to 31 October 1848 and was appointed to the Committee of Public Works.
References
Jervis, J J 1960, The History of Woollahra: a record of events from 1788 to 1960 and a centenary of local government, Municipal Council of Woollahra, Sydney
Eldershaw, Finney 1854, Australia as it really is, in its life, scenery, & adventure: with the character, habits, and customs of its Aboriginal inhabitants, and the prospects and extent of its gold fields, Published for the author by Darton and Co, London
State Records of NSW: Insolvency index