William George Salier
William George Salier was born in the East End of London, at Mile End in 1812. He is often confused with his more famous younger brother George Salier. He married Charlotte Fielder in 1835 and had four children - two daughters followed by two sons. He came to Tasmania some time around 1849.
In February 1849 the New Norfolk branch of the Gold Mine General Store & Drapery opened in New Norfolk, with William as manager.
In 1862, William purchased, and was the registered owner and proprietor of a drapery store on the site of what is now the Shanghai Chinese restaurant at 50 High Street. We don't know if this was the same location as the shop he managed in 1849, but the building style is very similar to 19 High Street built around 1856. It is possible he was renting the builiding before he bought it, or he may have moved from a different location. He is shown at this address from 1861 to 1898 in directories.
He passed away in 1899 and left the store to his daughter, Eliza.
