Wonderley, Joseph

Joseph Wonderley was one of Toowoomba’s earliest established chemists. Records show that he held office on Council continuously from 1867 until 1871. He was elected Mayor in 1868 and 1869.

A resident of Brisbane prior to coming to Toowoomba, he owned and operated a large business in South Brisbane. In 1864, he established a branch of his business in Toowoomba and eventually settled in the city with his family.

According to Toowoomba historian Mr Ron Douglas, Wonderley, whose name is perpetuated by a Toowoomba Street of the same name, built and operated what is now on of the oldest buildings still standing in the city.

His shop was located on the southern corner of Donation Lane and Ruthven Street. It is still in use today. About 1877, he moved his shop towards the Ruthven-Russell Street intersection where the main commercial area of Toowoomba was at that time located.

According to Mr Douglas, Wonderley was related to the family who started the Toowoomba legal firm of Wonderley and Hall early in the 20th century.

Joseph Wonderley died on January 8, 1883.