F. J. Botting
Francis Joseph Botting (1819 – 10 July 1906), generally known as F. J. Botting was an auctioneer in Adelaide, South Australia, who became an owner of several important hotels and breweries. His son, Frank South Botting (c. 1849 – 12 November 1894), was a partner. History Francis Joseph Botting was born in London and trained as a builder. He emigrated to South Australia aboard Buckinghamshire arriving in March 1839. He joined with his brother Frederick Henry Botting (c. 1810 – 1873) in constructing some of Adelaide's earliest buildings, including a merchant's office and warehouse, which later became the Blenheim Hotel, and the first wharf and wharf building in Port Adelaide, under architect Prescott. The two brothers lived on the islands of Spencer's Gulf 1844–1846 during the financial slump. Auctioneer In May 1856 Botting joined Wicksteed, Townsend & Co., auctioneers, (John Bentham Neales, Frederic Wicksteed and William Townsend), which became Wicksteed, Botting, Townsend & Co., then Townsend, Wicksteed & Kay with just those two and William Kay. Kay dropped out of the partnership in 1869, then the firm of Townsend, Botting & Co. was dissolved in August 1880, and all assets liquidated; Botting continuing with the business with the assistance of