Benjamin Short, 1833-1912: A Migrant with a Mission: Grandfather's Story

Benjamin Short came to Australia in 1860 as an energetic youth determined to take part in the development of a new nation. Soon after arriving in Sydney he began to sell insurance for Australian Mutual Provident Society (AMP). It was not long before it became apparent that through hard work and committment he was proving to be a very successful canvasser.
Benjamin Short was a man who firmly believed that prayer, philanthropy and life insurance were essential for a healthy society. He had a strong desire to strengthen families. He saw insurance as a way for ordinary people to help themselves and for widows and their children not be reduced to abject poverty and destitution. His compassion and philanthropy were not only the foundations for selling life insurance, but also led him to set up the Sydney City Mission after being appalled by the scenes of destitution in Sydney's Rocks area. He went on to become an active evangelist in Australia and New Zealand, a Bible Study leader, an honorary parson of the congregation, and a keen supporter of the YMCA.