Duncan Longden facts for kids

Captain James Duncan Campbell Longden, often called Duncan Longden, was a British army officer who later became a politician in the Australian colony of Victoria. He was born in 1826 and passed away on June 18, 1904.

Early Life and Military Service

Duncan Longden was born in Jamaica. His father was a soldier, and his family was stationed there at the time.

He joined the British army and served with two famous regiments: the 13th Regiment and the Royal Fusiliers. He served in India and was recognized for his bravery, earning a medal for his service in areas like Sindh and Balochistan.

For two years, he worked as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to Sir Charles Napier, a well-known British general in India. After serving for several years, Captain Longden left the army. He arrived in Victoria, Australia, in early 1854 on a ship called the Investigator. When he first arrived, he spent some time exploring the goldfields.

Becoming a Politician

In November 1855, Duncan Longden was chosen to be a member of the Victorian Legislative Council. This was the main law-making group in Victoria at the time. He was the very first representative for the area called Avoca.

He held this position until March 1856. At that time, the way Victoria's government worked changed. All the old voting areas were removed, and new ones were created for a new two-part parliament called the Parliament of Victoria. Longden tried to get elected again in 1856 and 1867 for other areas, but he was not successful.

A Career in Journalism

Besides his military and political life, Duncan Longden also worked in journalism. He was the editor for two newspapers: The Ballarat Star and the Geelong Times. He also worked as a sub-editor for the Daily Telegraph in Melbourne.

He was very good with languages, speaking French, German, and Hindustani fluently.