George Macklin Helsham

George Macklin Helsham was born in John's Bridge, Kilkenny, Ireland in 1831. His father was a Captain in the 20th Regiment of Foot, and was killed in action in India. Prior to his arrival in Queensland in 1855, Mr. Helsham was a midshipman in the Royal Navy.

George Helsham was appointed the first Town Clerk at the first Dalby Town Council meeting in 1863, and held the position until his death in 1870.

George Helsham had the reputation of being a well educated man, and was very well respected by the community. He took a keen interest in many local affairs, and was for several years a member of the School of Arts Committee, a member of the Loyal Dalby Lodge of Oddfellows, and a member of the Masonic body.

On the night of 7 February 1870, a fire broke out at the rear of the Union Hotel in Dalby. Hearing the cry of fire, George Helsham rushed from his residence to render assistance, and while running across some vacant land at the rear of his house he fell against a jagged stump, which inflicted severe internal injuries. He died from his injuries two days later at the age of 39 years, leaving behind a wife and four young children.