Hon. Henry Isidore Joachim Raphael Rooke (1841 – 28 November 1901), was a colonial merchant and politician in the colony of Tasmania.

Early life

Rooke was born in Spain in 1841, the son of Colonel Benjamin Henry Rooke of the English Legion, who fought all through the

Carlist war The Carlist Wars () were a series of civil wars that took place in Spain during the 19th century. The contenders fought over claims to the throne, although some political differences also existed. Several times during the period from 1833 to 187 ...

. His father also was in the Imperial service, and served in the

Spanish army The Spanish Army ( es, Ejército de Tierra, lit=Land Army) is the terrestrial army of the Spanish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is one of the oldest active armies — dating back to the late 15th century. The ...

. His mother, Maria del Carmen Rooke, was of Spanish extraction. He was educated in London, and came to Tasmania with his parents when 16 years of age. After spending some years in the country he went to Launceston, and started business as merchant and importer, one of the principals of the firm of Rooke and Maddox.

Political career

Rooke entered the

Tasmanian House of Assembly The House of Assembly, or Lower House, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of Tasmania in Australia. The other is the Legislative Council or Upper House. It sits in Parliament House in the state capital, Hobart. The Assembly has 25 m ...

as the member for Deloraine on 25 May 1882, and in 1896 was returned for North Esk in the

Tasmanian Legislative Council The Tasmanian Legislative Council is the upper house of the Parliament of Tasmania in Australia. It is one of the two chambers of the Parliament, the other being the House of Assembly. Both houses sit in Parliament House in the state capital, H ...

in July, 1886 which he held until his death having been re-elected each time without opposition. For a short period he held office as Chief Secretary from 1–29 March 1887 in

James Agnew Sir James Willson Agnew (2 October 1815 – 8 November 1901) was an Irish-born Australian politician, who was Premier of Tasmania from 1886 to 1887. Early life Agnew was born in Ballyclare, Ireland and educated at London, Paris and Glasgow; h ...

's Administration. It is reported that he contributed materially towards brightening the debates by animated speeches, largely commingled of shrewdness, grasp of facts, and a caustic wit that had nothing spiteful about it. He was a member of the Executive Council, a magistrate of the territory, and visiting justice of the Gaol at Launceston. He was connected with local sporting institutions, was a steward of the Tasmanian Turf Club, and president of a number of athletic clubs He had always taken a deep interest in the volunteer movement, held the long service medal and was captain and paymaster of the Launceston Rifle Corp.

Family and death

Rooke married twice, firstly to Maria Louisa Ferguson, in 1880, and secondly, in 1892, to his cousin Emma Rooke, daughter of Adolphus Rooke. He died on 28 November 1901, in Launceston.Alt URL
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References

1841 births 1901 deaths Members of the Tasmanian House of Assembly Members of the Tasmanian Legislative Council 19th-century Australian politicians {{Australia-politician-stub