Stephen James Chipper

Stephen James Chipper was born in Perth, Australia on 29th May 1835. His father came from Plymouth in 1830. His wife, however, came from London on the 9th May 1854 on the ship the ‘Travencore.’


He lived with his father, John, who had brought the family name to Australia 2 months after the WA colony was formed.

Stephen married Maria Sophia Campbell in 1861 and had 9 children with her in the next 15 years. Unfortunately many of the children died from different diseases.

Making a risky career move he became a publican, being the licensee of the ‘ United Services Tavern’ and owned a lot of property in Perth. Although he was one of the richest families in WA, a lot of people judged them as they were ‘higher class.’

In January of 1886 he became sick and the next month (4 February 1886) died, leaving 5 children and his wife.