Family background
Charles Jesson was born on 7 November 1838 at Gloucestershire, England, the son of John Jesson and Sarah Harrison. He immigrated to Australia with his parents as assisted immigrants on the ship ‘Marquis of Hastings’ which arrived at Sydney on 4 February 1841. Charles Jesson married Mary Ann Mortley (1848-1938) on 20 February 1868 at Surry Hills, NSW, and they had six sons and six daughters. Jesson died at Redfern, NSW on 29 August 1905, aged 65 years; he was buried at Rookwood Cemetery in the Methodist section. He left no Will. Charles Jesson lived at Buckland Street, Alexandria.
Occupation & interests
The rise of the mercantile city saw the emergence of industry related occupations and these self employed businessmen like Charles Jesson after an interval gained influence, respectability and a good measure of social recognition.
Community activity
Charles Jesson was a Justice of the Peace (JP). In 1894 he was appointed Registrar for the Electoral Register for Redfern and was also appointed to the position of Collector of Municipal Rates and Nightsoil Fees.
Local government service
Charles Jesson was an alderman on the Alexandria Council 1880-91 representing the West Ward. He served as mayor in 1884-86.
References
‘Municipal Elections’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 February 1880, p. 6, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13452381