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Sir James Graham
Alderman and Lord Mayor Sir James Graham, Municipal Council of the City of Sydney, 1901.jpg
Graham in 1901
38th Mayor of Sydney
In office
1901–1901
Preceded by Sir Matthew Harris
Succeeded by Thomas Hughes
Personal details
Born (1856-07-29)29 July 1856
Edinburgh, Scotland
Died 8 March 1913(1913-03-08) (aged 56)
Nationality Australian

Sir James Graham (born 29 July 1856 – died 8 March 1913) was an important person in Australia. He was born in Scotland. Sir James was both a doctor and a politician. He served as the Mayor of Sydney in 1901.

Early Life and Education

James Graham was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, Thomas Graham, worked as a marble polisher. James studied at the University of Edinburgh. He earned a Master of Arts degree in 1879. Later, in 1882, he became a doctor.

Becoming a Doctor

In 1884, Graham moved to Sydney, Australia. He then went back to Europe in 1888. He studied more in cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Paris. In 1888, he earned another medical degree. He received a special gold medal for his research. His research was about a disease called "Hydatid Disease."

After returning to Sydney, he became a leader at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He helped make this hospital a great place for doctors to train. From 1897 to 1912, he taught about childbirth at the University of Sydney.

Helping the Community

Sir James Graham also started many helpful organizations. He founded the Surgical Appliances Aid Society. This group helped people get medical devices. He also started the Crown Street Women's Hospital. This hospital focused on women's health. He helped create the Trained Nurses' Association. This group supported nurses. He was also the first leader of the New South Wales Dental Board. This board looked after dental care.

Political Career

Sir James Graham was also active in politics. In 1894, he was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. This is like a state parliament. He represented the area of Sydney-Belmore. He held this position until 1901.

In 1898, he joined the Sydney City Council. He helped make important changes there. His medical knowledge was very useful during a health scare in 1900.

Mayor of Sydney

In 1901, Sir James Graham became the Mayor of Sydney. This was a special year because the Duke of York visited Sydney. The Duke later became King George V. During this visit, the Duke made James Graham a knight. This is why he is called "Sir" James Graham.

In 1906, he tried to become a federal politician. He ran against Chris Watson for the area of South Sydney. However, he did not win this election.

Later Political Life

In 1907, Graham was elected to the Legislative Assembly again. This time, he represented Surry Hills. But he lost his seat in the 1910 election. For several years, he was a vice-president of the Liberal and Reformist Association. This group later became the Liberal Association.

Sir James Graham passed away in Sydney on 8 March 1913. He was buried in the Anglican section of Waverley Cemetery. He was married to Fanny Millard in 1890. She and their son survived him.

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