AustLit

George Frederick Poole was the son of Rev. George Poole, a Wesleyan minister. He arrived in Brisbane from Sydney in the early part of 1848, and practiced as a chemist in Queen Street. He subsequently became a prominent figure within Brisbane society, and was one of a number of 'boosters', who talked up the potential future prosperity of the still fledgling Moreton Bay settlement, despite the difficult economic conditions which then prevailed. In the early 1850s, Poole became involved in an experimental cotton growing venture at Moggill. He was also an active member of the Brisbane School of Arts. Following his death, Poole's extensive library was advertised for sale by auction in the Moreton Bay Courier of 11 June 1853, p. 3.