The Hon. Nathaniel Levi (1830-1908) was the first Jewish Member of the Parliament of Victoria. He served in the Legislative Assembly from 1861-1867, representing the electorates of Maryborough (1 Jan 1861 - 1 Dec 1865) and East Melbourne (1 Feb 1866 - 1 Dec 1867). He later served in the Legislative Council for the North Yarra electorate (1 Sep 1872 - 1 Jan 1904). Born in Liverpool on 20 Jan 1830, he arrived in Melbourne in April 1854 on the Matilda Wattenbach, opened a store and established a career as a businessman. In 1858 he joined the firm of John Levey & Son, Melbourne and Maryborough. He pioneered the coal and sugar beet industries; established the firm of Nathaniel Levi & Company c1867; commenced auctioneering and agency business c1870; obtained contract for railway advertising c1875; with his two sons (Joseph and John) as partners, the firm became Nathaniel Levi & Sons c1884. He commenced a short-lived newspaper, the Daily News, in Oct 1885. He was a founder and trustee of the Chamber of Manufactures, and its President 1893-1895. He married Sarah Levy in 1855. Nathaniel Levi was prominent in the Jewish community and was President of the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in 1880–82 and 1904–05. He is a forebear of Rabbi John Levi.colour photograph unmountedThe Hon. Nathaniel Levi (1830-1908) first Jewish member of the Parliament of Victoria. Built "Liverpool" 1888 and lived here 1889-1908. This plaque was unveiled 17 February 1991 by Rabbi John Levi AM DD (Temple Beth Israel)plaques, st kilda, nathaniel levi, hon nathaniel levi, member of parliament, liverpool, princes street