James Martin (premier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Martin
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| 6th Premier of New South Wales | |
| In office 16 October 1863 – 2 February 1865 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Cowper |
| Succeeded by | Charles Cowper |
| Constituency | Tumut (until 1864) Monaro |
| In office 22 January 1866 – 26 October 1868 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Cowper |
| Succeeded by | John Robertson |
| Constituency | Lachlan |
| In office 16 December 1870 – 13 May 1872 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Cowper |
| Succeeded by | Henry Parkes |
| Chief Justice of New South Wales | |
| In office 19 November 1873 – 4 November 1886 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Alfred Stephen |
| Succeeded by | Sir Julian Salomons |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 May 1820 Midleton, County Cork, Ireland, |
| Died | 4 November 1886 (aged 66) Potts Point, New South Wales |
| Resting place | St Jude's Randwick Cemetery |
| Relations | Florence Martin (daughter) |
Sir James Martin (14 May 1820 – 4 November 1886) was an important figure in the history of New South Wales, Australia. He served three times as the Premier of New South Wales, which is like being the leader of the state government. Later, he became the Chief Justice of New South Wales, the highest judge in the state, from 1873 to 1886.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Martin was born in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland, in 1820. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Sydney, Australia.
Even though his family didn't have much money, James worked hard at school. He went to Dame's School in Parramatta, and then to Sydney Academy and Sydney College. He was a very bright student.
At 16, he left school and started working as a reporter for newspapers. This helped him learn a lot about writing and public life.
Starting a Legal Career
In 1838, James published a book called Australian Sketch Book. It had short stories and descriptions of different people. He dedicated it to a lawyer named Bob Nichols, for whom he was working at the time.
James became a solicitor in 1845. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents. He also continued to work as a newspaper editor and publisher. In 1853, he married Isabella Long, and they had 15 children together!
Beginning in Politics
James Martin first tried to enter politics in 1848. He ran for a seat in the New South Wales Legislative Council, which was part of the government back then. He won an election, but it was later decided he didn't meet the rules to be a member. However, he was re-elected without anyone running against him.
A Strong Voice in Parliament
James was a good lawmaker, but he was also known for speaking his mind very strongly in parliament. This sometimes made it hard for him to make friends with other politicians.
One of his early successes was helping to start a debate that led to a branch of the Royal Mint being set up in Sydney. This mint made coins for the colony.
In 1856, the government system changed. A new parliament was created with elected members in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and appointed members in the Legislative Council. James was elected to the new Assembly. Over the years, he represented several different areas.
Becoming Attorney-General
In August 1856, James Martin was made Attorney-General of New South Wales. This is a very important legal role in the government. It was a bit unusual because he was the first person to hold this job who wasn't a barrister (another type of lawyer who argues cases in court).
He had to leave his seat in parliament to take the job, but he was re-elected easily. His first time as Attorney-General was short, as the government lost power quickly.
In 1856, James became a barrister, and in 1857, he was made a Queen's Counsel (QC), which is a special title for experienced lawyers. He became Attorney-General again in 1857, but he resigned in 1858 after some disagreements with other government ministers.
Leading New South Wales
In October 1863, James Martin was asked to become the Premier of New South Wales. This meant he was the leader of the government. His main goals were to fix the state's money problems and help people who didn't have jobs.
As Premier, he tried to reduce the number of people coming into the country and increase taxes on imported goods. However, he found it hard to get enough support from other politicians for his plans.
Three Times Premier
Because his government didn't achieve all its goals, James Martin stepped down in 1865. But he didn't stay out of power for long!
In January 1866, he became Premier for the second time. This time, he worked with Henry Parkes, who had been a political rival before. His government lasted until October 1868.
He returned to lead the government for a third and final time between December 1870 and May 1872.
Life After Politics
James Martin left parliament in November 1873. Soon after, he was appointed to a very high position: Chief Justice of New South Wales. This meant he was the head judge of the state's highest court.
He held this important job for 13 years, even though he had some health problems later in his life.
Sir James Martin passed away at his home in Potts Point, Sydney, on 4 November 1886. He was first buried in Randwick, but later his remains were moved to the impressive Waverley Cemetery in 1909.
Honours and Legacy
James Martin received several honours during his life. He was made a Queen's Counsel in 1857. In 1869, he was knighted, which means he was given the title "Sir."
Today, you can find places named after him in Sydney. Martin Place, a famous pedestrian area in the centre of Sydney, was named after him in 1892.
'Lady Martin Beach', a small beach in Point Piper, New South Wales, is named after his wife, Isabella. She used to live nearby.
In 2020, two new statues of Sir James Martin were put up in Parramatta and Martin Place. This shows how important he was to the history of New South Wales.
See also
- First Martin ministry (1863–1865)
- Second Martin ministry (1866–1868)
- Third Martin ministry (1870–1872)
- 140-142 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
- List of judges of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
