James Millner (doctor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. Stokes Millner
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| Born | 1830 Birmingham
England |
| Died | 25 February 1875 |
| Years active | 1855 to 1875 |
| Known for | Early pioneer / settler of Australia |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Surgeon |
James Stokes Millner (born 1830 – died 25 February 1875) was an important doctor and leader in the early days of the Northern Territory in Australia. He helped set up new settlements and cared for people in remote areas.
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Early Life and Medical Career
James Stokes Millner was born in Birmingham, England, in 1830. He studied medicine at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and became a surgeon.
In 1855, Dr. Millner moved to Australia. He arrived at Port Adelaide after working as a ship's doctor on several journeys between England and Australia. Once in South Australia, he worked as a doctor in places like Port Adelaide, Angaston, and Gawler. He even served as an elected leader on the Port Adelaide Council for a couple of years.
Adventures in the Northern Territory
Dr. Millner became the doctor for an exploration group led by John McKinlay. Their job was to find good spots for a new settlement in the Northern Territory. They left Port Adelaide in September 1865 and reached Adam Bay in November.
Later, Dr. Millner joined the settlement at Escape Cliffs as the doctor and also as a "Protector of Aborigines." This meant he was responsible for the well-being of the local Indigenous people. The settlement was eventually closed, and Dr. Millner returned to South Australia in 1867.
Becoming a Government Leader
On January 22, 1870, Dr. Millner returned to Darwin. He was appointed the Acting Government Resident of the Northern Territory. This made him the main representative for the South Australian Government in the region. At the time, there were only about 44 non-Indigenous people living there.
Dr. Millner was a tall man with a beard and glasses. He had many important jobs, including:
- Protecting Aboriginal people.
- Serving as a quarantine officer to prevent diseases.
- Being the official registrar for births and deaths.
- Most importantly, he was the only doctor in the Northern Territory, caring for everyone who was sick or hurt.
He built good relationships with the local Aboriginal people, who learned to trust his medical skills.
In 1872, his wife, Esther, passed away in South Australia. A few days later, Dr. Millner resigned from his role. However, in 1874, he remarried Elizabeth Wood. Soon after, he, his new wife, and his three children from his first marriage sailed back to Darwin. He took up his duties again, continuing to serve the community.
In 1874, under Dr. Millner's leadership, the very first hospital in Darwin was opened. It was located in Packard Street, above Doctors Gully.
A Tragic End
After five years of service in the Northern Territory, Dr. Millner resigned in February 1875. He was returning to Adelaide with his wife and four children aboard a ship called the SS Gothenburg.
On the night of February 24, 1875, the Gothenburg hit a part of the Great Barrier Reef near Holbourne Island. A powerful cyclone was raging at the time. Early the next morning, Dr. Millner, his entire family, and about 100 other passengers and crew members sadly drowned in the disaster.
Lasting Legacy
Dr. James Millner is remembered in the Northern Territory. Several places are named after him:
- The northern Darwin suburb of Millner.
- Millner Street, which is located in the suburb of Millner.
- The Electoral division of Millner, a local voting area.
Gallery
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Dr. James Stokes Millner
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The Millner Family in 1870
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The SS Gothenburg
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Planting the first telegraph pole near Darwin in September 1870. James Millner is fourth from the left.
