A. T. Saunders

Alfred Thomas Saunders (4 September 1854 – 3 November 1940) was an accountant and amateur historian of the early days of South Australia. Using his personal collection of newspaper clippings, and only his memory of its contents to find relevant articles, he came to be regarded as South Australia's unofficial historian, with a particular interest in the sea and River Murray. On many occasions he challenged statements by public figures, thereby raising public interest in local history. He famously disputed an assertion by the distinguished author Joseph Conrad, resulting in a cordial correspondence.