William Watchorn Perkins, born on 23 May 1843, was one of 10 children born to John and Emmely Perkins (nee Watchorn). John was a draper and importer and began the emporium, Perkins and Watchorn, in Liverpool Street, Hobart.;;William Watchorn Perkins became a solicitor and was articled to Samuel Westbrook. William was admitted to the bar in 1866 and soon after left for New Zealand. There he practiced as a solicitor and married Jane Eliza Winter in 1870. William and Jane had 8 children born in New Zealand. ;;The family returned to Tasmania in 1884 and Williams established the firm Perkins and Dear. A further 5 children were born between 1885 and 1893. ;;William purchased approximately 16 acres of land in Lower Sandy Bay from Sarah and Theresa Hogan on 22 May 1884.;;That year he also commissioned architect Henry Hunter to build a house, which he named 'Mawhera'.;;William served in many organisations - the Central Board of Health, Queenborough Board of Health and as one of the Commissioners of Fisheries. He became a Member of the Legislative Council in 1899, a position he held until his death in Melbourne on 19 January 1903.;;