Benjamin Richard Gelling (1863-1944)
Gelling served on Strathfield Council as Mayor (1913-1916) and Alderman (1911-1916). Gelling resided at ‘Lynroy’ Abbotsford Road Homebush.
He was the son of Ely John Gelling, of Daylesford, Victoria, a hay and corn dealer. Gellling trained as an accountant. He commenced employment with the Mutual Life Association of Australia on 1 May 1888. He was appointed Assistant Secretary in September 1891 and Secretary in 1896.
Gelling was one of the founders of the Boy Scouts Association, when it was incorporated in 1928 in NSW.
Gelling ran unsuccessfully as a candidate in two NSW elections. He ran as a progressive in the State seat of Ryde (1920) and Maitland (1922).
He married Margaret McArthur at Nowra in 1889. One son, Roy Daylesford Gelling, served during World War 1. His name is included on Strathfield Memorial Roll of Honour, which is located at the Strathfield Council Chambers.
Gelling was awarded a Coronation Medal in 1937, which were presented for services to the community.
He later moved to Gordon NSW, where he died on 24 October 1944.
The street Gelling Avenue was named for him. The street was formerly known as Beaumont Street until 1916 when it was renamed Gelling Avenue
References
‘Insolvencies (Ely John Gelling), The Argus, 16 May 1864
The Cyclopedia of New South Wales. New South Wales, Australia: McCarron, Stewart & Co., 1907.
‘Notices (death)’, Sydney Morning Herald, 2 November 1944
Sands Sydney Directory
Author
Written by Cathy Jones (2011).
Strathfield Heritage 