John Cockburn (Australian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Cockburn
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| 18th Premier of South Australia | |
| In office 27 June 1889 – 19 August 1890 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | Earl of Kintore |
| Preceded by | Thomas Playford II |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Playford II |
| 6th Leader of the Opposition (SA) | |
| In office 1889–1889 |
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| Preceded by | John Downer |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Playford II |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Alexander Cockburn
23 August 1850 Berwickshire, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Died | 26 November 1929 (aged 79) London, England |
| Political party | Liberal |
Sir John Alexander Cockburn (born August 23, 1850 – died November 26, 1929) was an important leader in South Australia. He was the Premier of South Australia (like a state governor or chief minister) from June 27, 1889, to August 18, 1890. He also played a big part in giving women the right to vote.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Cockburn was born in Corsbie, Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1850. His father was a farmer named Thomas Cockburn. His mother was Isabella Wright.
When John was five, his father passed away. In 1867, his mother moved to South Australia with three of his siblings. John stayed in the United Kingdom to finish his education.
He studied at Highgate School and King's College London. He earned a degree as a doctor with top honors. In 1875, he married Sarah Holdway. They had one son and one daughter.
In 1879, he moved to South Australia. He started his medical practice in a town called Jamestown.
Starting in Politics
In 1878, John Cockburn became the first mayor of Jamestown. As mayor, he worked hard to get a railway line built. This railway would connect to the new silver mines in New South Wales.
Between 1884 and 1888, a railway line was built. It went through Jamestown to Petersburg and then to the border. This line helped connect the mines of Broken Hill to the coast.
The town at the border was named Cockburn in his honor. This showed how important his work was.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1884, Cockburn was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly. This is like being a member of parliament for the state. He represented the area of Burra.
From 1885 to 1887, he served as the Minister of Education. Later, he became a member for Mount Barker. He held this position for 11 years.
Cockburn helped pass important laws. These included taxes on inherited money and land. He also helped introduce payments for members of parliament.
Premier of South Australia
On June 27, 1889, Cockburn became the first doctor to be a premier. He led South Australia for 14 months. He lost support and was replaced by Thomas Playford.
He served as Minister for Education again from 1893 to 1898. He was also the Minister for Agriculture during this time.
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Cockburn was very involved in planning the Federation. This was the process of joining all the Australian colonies into one country. He represented South Australia at important meetings in Melbourne and Sydney.
Supporting Women's Right to Vote
John Cockburn strongly supported the Women's Suffrage League. This group worked to give women the right to vote. He often spoke at their meetings.
He even led the final meeting when women were granted the right to vote. He also led the celebration event.
Cockburn and Frederick Holder convinced Premier Charles Kingston to support women's voting rights. They believed women would be grateful and vote for Kingston.
After moving back to London, he continued to support women's voting rights. He and his wife were active in the movement in England.
Later Life and Achievements
After leaving parliament, Cockburn moved to England. He worked as the Agent-General for South Australia. This role involved representing South Australia's interests in London.
He left this job in 1901 when Australia became a federation. However, he stayed in London. He continued to unofficially represent South Australia and Australia.
He was honored for his work. He was made a Knight Commander in 1900 by Queen Victoria. This meant he was called "Sir John Cockburn."
He was also involved in a social club called Freemasonry. He helped start a new lodge in London. He also wrote many articles about philosophy.
Sir John Cockburn passed away in London in 1929. He never returned to Australia. His wife, son, and daughter survived him.
