James Whyte (Australian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Whyte
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| 6th Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 20 January 1863 – 24 November 1866 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Chapman |
| Succeeded by | Sir Richard Dry |
| Constituency | Pembroke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 March 1820 Greenlaw, Scotland, UK |
| Died | 20 August 1882 (aged 62) Hobart, Tasmania |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouses | Sarah Wilkinson (1852) Elizabeth Gregson (1856-1865) Elizabeth Coverdale (1868-1882) |
| Children | James Wilkinson Whyte |
James Whyte (born March 30, 1820 – died August 20, 1882) was a politician from Scotland who became the sixth Premier of Tasmania. He served as Premier from January 20, 1863, to November 24, 1866. Before his political career, James Whyte was a sheep farmer in Victoria.
Contents
Early Life and Farming Career
Growing Up in Scotland and Tasmania
James Whyte was born on March 30, 1820. His birthplace was near Greenlaw, in Berwickshire, Scotland. His father, George Whyte, was a captain in the local yeomanry. His mother was Jessie Walker.
In 1832, when James was 12 years old, his family moved. They emigrated to Van Diemen's Land, which is now known as Tasmania.
Pioneering in Victoria
As a young man, James Whyte became a pioneer sheep farmer. He worked with his brothers in Victoria's western district. They managed a large sheep farm called Kononwotong. This farm was about 57,000 acres. It was located near the town of Coleraine, Victoria.
Later, James Whyte became wealthy from a gold discovery. Gold was found at a property in Clunes, Victoria. He was a partner in this property. It became a successful gold mine called the Port Phillip Gold Mine.
James Whyte returned to Tasmania in 1853. The main street in Coleraine, Victoria, is named after the Whyte brothers. This honors their role as pioneers in the area.
Challenges with Indigenous People
Conflicts Over Land and Resources
In the 1840s, there were many conflicts. These happened between European settlers and Aboriginal people. James Whyte and his brothers were involved in these difficult times. They were trying to recover sheep that had been taken.
During these events, there were clashes with the Jardwadjali Aboriginal people. These conflicts resulted in significant loss of life. Whyte's obituary later mentioned these events. It said that "difficulties with the savage aborigines were very great."
Dividing the Land
In 1845, the Konongwootong sheep farm was divided. James Whyte took 8,000 acres of land for himself. He named his new farm Koroite.
Political Career in Tasmania
Joining the Legislative Council
James Whyte first tried to win a seat in parliament in 1854. He was not successful that time. However, in 1856, he was elected. He became a member of the Legislative Council for Pembroke.
He briefly served as a minister. This was under the leadership of Thomas Gregson. Whyte also chaired several committees in the council.
Becoming Premier
On January 20, 1863, James Whyte became the Premier of Tasmania. He also served as the colonial secretary. His government worked on several important projects.
They focused on building new roads and railways. They also reformed the public service. This meant making government jobs more efficient. His government also tried to change the tax system. They proposed a property and income tax. This idea was not popular. It eventually led to his government's downfall in November 1866.
Later Political Work
After being Premier, Whyte continued to be active in politics. From 1869 to 1870, he helped create laws. These laws aimed to prevent the spread of "scab disease" in sheep. This was a serious problem for farmers.
He then became the chief inspector of sheep. He held this position from 1870 until 1882. He remained an active member of committees until 1875. James Whyte retired from parliament in 1876.
Personal Life and Contributions
Community Involvement
James Whyte was a very active member of his community. He was a generous Presbyterian Christian. He was also a fellow of the Royal Society of Tasmania. This society promotes science and knowledge.
He was also one of the original owners of the Tasmanian Daily News. This newspaper later combined with the Hobart Town Daily Mercury in 1858.
Family Life
James Whyte was married three times during his life:
- His first marriage was in January 1852 to Sarah Wilkinson. She sadly passed away in November 1852.
- His second marriage was in May 1857 to Elizabeth Gregson. She was the elder daughter of Thomas Gregson. Elizabeth passed away in 1865.
- His third marriage was in June 1868 to Elizabeth Coverdale. She was the daughter of Dr. John Coverdale. Dr. Coverdale was the superintendent of an orphanage in New Town.
James Whyte passed away in Hobart in 1882. He had one son, James Wilkinson Whyte. His son later became the Tasmanian Recorder of Titles.
