James Agnew facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir James Agnew KCMG
16th Premier of Tasmania
In office 8 March 1886 – 29 March 1887
Preceded by	Adye Douglas
Succeeded by	Philip Fysh
Personal details
Born	(1815-10-02)2 October 1815 Ballyclare, County Antrim, Ireland, UK
Died	8 November 1901(1901-11-08) (aged 86) Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Spouses	Louisa Mary Fraser Blanche Legge

Sir James Willson Agnew (born October 2, 1815 – died November 8, 1901) was an important Australian politician. He was born in Ireland and later became the Premier of Tasmania from 1886 to 1887. Being a Premier is like being the head of the government for a state. He was also a doctor and a big supporter of science and learning.

Who Was Sir James Agnew?

Sir James Agnew received a special honor called KCMG. This means he was recognized for his great service. He was a very respected person in Tasmania.

His Early Life and Medical Career

James Agnew was born in a place called Ballyclare in Ireland. He studied to become a doctor in big cities like London, Paris, and Glasgow. By 1839, he was a qualified doctor.

Soon after, he moved to Australia. He first arrived in Sydney in 1839. He thought about settling in Victoria but decided against it. Instead, he moved to Hobart, which is in Tasmania. At that time, Tasmania was known as Van Diemen's Land.

In Hobart, he started working as an assistant surgeon. He worked at different places, including the General Hospital in Hobart. Later, he became the main colonial surgeon. After that, he worked as a private doctor in Hobart for 36 years.

His Love for Science and Learning

James Agnew was very interested in science and knowledge. In 1841, he joined a group called the Tasmanian Society. This group later became the Royal Society of Tasmania. He even wrote an article about the "Poison of the Tasmanian Snakes" for their journal.

He was a member of the council for the Royal Society for about 50 years. He was also the honorary secretary for many years. He helped lead the society until he passed away.

Becoming a Leader in Tasmania

In 1877, James Agnew stopped working as a doctor. He decided to focus on politics full-time. He was elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council by the people of Hobart. The Legislative Council is a part of the government that helps make laws.

He was part of different government teams, including the one led by Philip Fysh and William Giblin. He even traveled to Europe for a long visit.

When he returned, he was elected to the Legislative Council again in 1884. On March 8, 1886, he became the Premier of Tasmania. He took over from Adye Douglas. Sir James Agnew was 70 years old when he became Premier. This made him the oldest person ever to hold that job in Tasmania!

His time as Premier lasted for a little over a year. He resigned from his job and political life on March 29, 1887. He spent his final years in Hobart and passed away on November 8, 1901.

His Lasting Contributions

Sir James Agnew received the KCMG honor in 1894. He was married twice. First to Louisa Mary Fraser in 1846, who passed away in 1868. Then he married Blanche Legge in 1878. He had several children from his first marriage, but only one daughter was still alive when he died.

He did many great things for Tasmania. He was a founder and strong supporter of the Royal Society of Tasmania. He gave many books to its library. He was also very interested in the museum, botanical gardens, and the public library. He was even the chairman of the public library.

Sir James Agnew was also the first President of The Art Society of Tasmania. He led this society for seventeen years. He helped manage the public library and the museum. He was also involved with the council of education and the University of Tasmania.