David Wark (Australian politician) facts for kids

David Wark (born around 1807 – died March 3, 1862) was an important doctor and politician in early South Australia. He was known for his work in medicine and for serving in the government.

Early Life and Medical Career

David Wark was born in Scotland, possibly in a place called Ayrshire. He became a medical doctor and was part of a group of doctors and surgeons in Glasgow. This meant he was trained to teach about the human body and perform special medical examinations.

He had a son named Robert Hunter Wark from his first marriage. After his wife passed away, David Wark decided to move to Australia.

In 1839, he sailed from Glasgow to South Australia on a ship called the Welcome. He was the ship's doctor during the journey. He later returned to Britain briefly before coming back to South Australia in 1841.

David Wark was also active in the Scottish community in Adelaide. He was a member of the St. Andrew's Society, a group for Scottish people living in the area.

A Doctor's Public Role

In 1852, Dr. Wark was asked to give medical information in a court case about a child's death. There was a public discussion about whether he had done a complete enough medical examination at the time. People talked about it in the newspapers. Dr. Wark explained his actions and later said he wished he had done an even more detailed examination. This shows how important medical opinions were in public cases back then.

Political Life

David Wark became involved in the government of South Australia. In 1853, he was chosen as a council member for the East Torrens area. He became the chairman of this council in 1854.

He was also considered as a candidate for the Legislative Council, which was part of the government.

Serving in Parliament

In 1857, David Wark was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly. This is like being a member of parliament today. He represented the area called Murray. He was re-elected without anyone running against him in 1860. He continued to serve in parliament until he passed away on March 3, 1862.

His family lived in a house called Alton House in Magill, which is no longer there. A street in Magill, Alton Street, was named after this house.

Family Life

David Wark's first wife was Mary Hunter. They had four sons, but only Robert Hunter Wark (1833–1880) lived to adulthood. After his first wife died, David Wark moved to Australia.

He married again on April 28, 1842, to Catherine Keeling. Catherine had moved to Australia with her mother in 1839.

David and Catherine had several children:

• Margaret Orr Wark (1843–1917)
• James Keeling Wark (1845–1886)
• Francis Wark (1847–1911)
• David Wark (1849–1850)
• Jane Wark (1851–1859)
• Alexander Wark (1854–1859)
• Catherine Wark (1856–1920)

Sadly, in July 1859, David Wark experienced a very difficult time. His wife, Catherine, gave birth to a baby boy who did not survive, and she passed away the same day. The next day, his daughter Jane died, and the day after that, his son Alexander also passed away. It is believed they died from an illness called diphtheria.

David Wark passed away three years later.