Family background
Edgar Raphael Arpante was born about 1861 in Naples Italy. He arrived in NSW on the ‘Europa’ in 1881 and was an engineer when he was naturalised on 25 March 1896. He married Emma Mathieson in 1918 and the marrage was registered at Woollahra. Edgar Raphael Arpante of 33 Margaret Street, Petersham, died on 17 March 1926 and was buried in the Anglican cemetery, South Head.
Occupation & interests
In 1913, Edgar Raphael Arpante registered the firm E R Arpante, wine, spirit and cigar merchants and importers and exporters of 1 Bond Street and Underwood Street. Along with partner Antonio Palise, he registered the firm ‘The Italian Australian Company’, pickle and condiment manufacturers of Little Collins and Little Riley Streets, Surry Hills in 1922. Apart from two semi-detached cottages in Flood Street, Leichhardt and a pair of brick dwellings in Margaret Street, Petersham (one of which he occupied) he also owned the launch ‘Cadorna’ at his death.
Community activity
In 1898, Edgar Raphael Arpante was a member of Masonic Lodge la Stella No 220, U G L of NSW. Edgar Raphael Arpante was a member of Glebe Lodge 9, Independent Order of Oddfellows.
Local government service
Edgar R Arpante was an alderman on Erskineville Council in 1896-98, representing Middle Ward. In 1896, after Edgar Raphael Arpante won his seat on the council, his defeated opponent, Samuel R Irwin brought a court case against Arpante to void his election.
References
‘Law Report’, Sydney Morning Herald, 24 March 1896, p 3, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/14042592
‘Federation at Any Price’, Hebrew Standard 8 July 1898 p 7, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121637654
State Archives of NSW, NRS 13340, Stamp Duties Office, Deceased Estate File, pre A 18367 20/1095
State Archives of NSW, NRS 1040, Registers of Certificates of Naturalization, 4/1212, No 40