Benjamin Cribb (1807-1874)

Benjamin Cribb was born in 1807 at Poole, Dorsetshire.  His father was the captain of a merchant vessel, trading between Newfoundland and the Mediterranean.  Benjamin and his brother Robert would often travel with their father and were once wrecked off the cost of Newfoundland.  After their father sustained injuries at sea, which prevented him from working further, Benjamin found work at the largest grocery establishment in Poole, managing the store for some years.  With his brother Robert, he moved to London, establishing a manufacturing business.

After hearing Dr John Dunmore Lang's appeal for migrants, Robert left for Moreton Bay on the Fortitude, arriving in January 1849, and Benjamin traveled on the Chaseley, arriving on 1st May 1849.  Arriving in Ipswich, Benjamin established the London Stores in Bell Street.  In 1852, John Clarke Foote, who had recently arrived in Ipswich, was appointed manager of the London Stores and within two years, he had become a partner in the firm, which was renamed Cribb & Foote.

Cribb served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for a number of years, first as a member for the Stanley boroughs (which encompassed Ipswich and Brisbane) in the New South Wales parliament in 1858.  An advocate for separation, he was actively involved with the Bill for amendments in the Constitution Act of New South Wales, which provided for the alterations of boundaries and increasing the number of electorates.  He was also involved in the framing of the District Courts and Municipalities Acts.  Following separation and the formation of the Colony of Queensland, Cribb took over from George Thorn Snr as the representative of the seat of West Moreton on 20th April 1861, retaining the seat until 2 July 1867.  He next represented Ipswich from 12 August 1870 until 14 November 18473.  In local politics, Cribb advocated for Ipswich Municipality and was an alderman from 1862 to 1863.

Cribb played a foundational role in the economic and social development of Ipswich.  Aside from Cribb & Foote being the major department store in the district, Cribb was a prime mover in the establishment of Ipswich Grammar School in 1863, remaining a trustee and treasure until his death.  He was the president and treasurer of the Ipswich School of Arts.  He was a very active member of the Congregational Church, donating more than £500 towards the building of the Brisbane Street church.  He was the president of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and a member of the Bush Mission, amongst many other charitable activities.

Benjamin Cribb died on the 11th March, 1874, whilst attending a meeting at the Congregational Church.  He was seized by a sudden illness and died within minutes.