George McWilliams

McWilliams was born near Geelong, Victoria, to Anne (née Toohey) and Wilson McWilliams. He was sent to school in England, but returned to Australia to study at the University of Melbourne, graduating with a medical degree (M.B.) in 1888. McWilliams left for Western Australia later that year, initially practising medicine in York. He later spent time in the North-West, working for periods as a pearler and a stockman, before moving to Perth to establish his own practice. With Mathieson Jacoby, McWilliams helped to found the state branch of the St John Ambulance, and served as the inaugural president.[1]

During the Second Boer War, McWilliams volunteered with the West Australian Mounted Infantry, serving as the contingent's chief medical officer. He began the war with the rank of captain, and was subsequently promoted major and then lieutenant-colonel, returning to Australia in late 1900.[1] McWilliams entered parliament at the 1901 North Perth by-election, which had been caused by the death of Richard Speight after only a few months in office.[2] In April 1902, McWilliams was selected to represent Australia at the coronation of Edward VII in London, as the leader of the contingent from Western Australia. He returned to Australia in October 1902, but did not recontest his seat at the 1904 state election.[1]

After leaving parliament, McWilliams was appointed to the board of the Perth Hospital.[1] Unmarried, he died in Perth in February 1907, aged 41, from complications of gastroenteritis.[3] He was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery with full military honours, with the service conducted by the Bishop of Perth, Charles Riley.[4]