Francis Arnold Whitehead (1864-1943)

F.A. (Francis Arnold) (born 31 January 1864), was the third child, and first son of, Samuel Francis Whitehead and Caroline Whitehead (nee Southerden), who emigrated from the Midlands of England in 1849.

The family lived in Brisbane Street, opposite Bell Street, where Mrs Whitehead operated a book store, stationery and newsagency that was attached to the dwelling.

'Frank' was educated at the Pine Mountain School and then at Little Ipswich (later known as West Ipswich School).  He then attended Ipswich Grammar School from 4th February 1879, being pupil number 369.  He remained at the school for two years.

Next door to the Whitehead family was the business of Biggingee Sorabjee Pochee, an early photographer, who had started his business in September 1863.  The Pochee's son, Serabga, would have been a friend of Frank living next door and also attending Ipswich Grammar School.

It is believed that young Frank learnt the art of photography through absorbing the wonders of watching the magical image appearing at Mr Poochee's establishment.  This would have been very exciting for a young lad at the time and it is no wonder that this was the profession Frank chose for the rest of his life.  Serabga also went on to become a photographer.

Pochee left Ipswich in 1878 and his vacated premises were taken over by another photographer, "Frisco Photo Company", with G.A. Tissington as manager.

By 1880 Tissington moved to new premises in Ellenborough Street, adjoining the Queensland Times office.  They had reduced their price for cartes-de-visite to 7/6 per dozen.  It would appear that the young Frank was now working for the company.  Many of the carte-devisite specimens can still be found in Ipswich family albums today, and many of these may have been produced by Francis Whitehead.

On 10 March 1883, The Queensland Times carried an advertisement which announced that F.A. Whitehead (late Manager of Frisco Photo Company, Ipswich) had taken over the business.  At age 19 he purchased the studio, and this would be the beginning of a business that would continue for 120 years and beyond.

On 5 December 1888, Frank married Jeanie Wilson, the second daughter of Reverend Edward Wilson of North Ipswich Congregational Church.  The ceremony took place at the residence of the bride's father, with Reverend John Walker officiating, and assisted by Reverend S.F. Whitehead of Gatton, Frank's father.

Frank and Jeanie had six children: Arnold Edward, Minnie Caroline, Arthur Henry, Henrietta Lightoller, Frederick Roberts and Edaward Wilson.  The family of Frank and Jeanie made their home at "Karragaroo" at Eastern Heights.

Frank's father died in Gatton on 21 May 1890 and his remains were interred in the Ipswich Cemetery the following morning.  Jeanie passed away in 1938 and Frank, a pioneer of photography in Queensland was in his 80th year when he passed away on Monday 17 August 1943.