John Darling Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Darling Jr.
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| 11th Leader of the Opposition (SA) | |
| In office 1902–1904 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Homburg |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Price |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 January 1852 |
| Died | 27 March 1914 (aged 62) |
| Political party | Australasian National League (1896–05) |
John Darling, Jr. (born January 24, 1852 – died March 27, 1914) was an important businessman and politician from South Australia. He was born in Scotland and moved to Australia when he was a young child.
John Darling Jr. was a member of the South Australian House of Assembly from 1896 to 1905. This is like being a member of parliament. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition from 1902 to 1904. This means he led the political party that was against the government at the time. After leaving politics, he became the chairman of the board for a very big mining company called BHP.
Contents
Early Life and Business Career
John Darling Jr. was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on January 24, 1852. He was the oldest son of John Darling Sr.. In 1855, when he was just three years old, he moved to Adelaide, South Australia, with his parents and brother.
He went to school at Pulteney Street School, which is now Pulteney Grammar School. When he was only 14 years old, he started working in his father's business. This was a common way for young people to learn about business back then.
Building a Business Empire
In 1872, John Darling Jr. became a partner in his father's company. The business was then renamed John Darling & Son. His father retired in 1897, leaving John Darling Jr. in charge of everything.
Under his leadership, the company grew a lot. They bought other flour mills and businesses. He also started a business that pressed hay in Gawler.
Leading Major Companies
John Darling Jr. became a director of BHP in 1892. BHP is one of the world's largest mining companies. He later became the chairman of directors for BHP from 1907 until his death in 1914.
He also served on the boards of many other companies. These included insurance and mining companies. He was an active member of groups like the Chamber of Commerce, which helps businesses, and the South Australian Employers' Union.
Family Life
John Darling Jr. married Jessie Dowie on October 14, 1875. Jessie was born in 1852 and passed away in 1915. They lived in a home called "Lynton" in Norwood.
They had several children:
- Jessie Isabel Darling (1876–1907)
- Alexander John Darling (1878–1896)
- Elsie Darling (1880–1891)
- Florence Darling (1883– ) married Frederick Young, who was also a Member of Parliament and later represented South Australia overseas.
- Harold Gordon Darling (1885 – 1950) later became the head of John Darling & Son and also chairman of BHP.
- Gertrude "Gertie" Darling (1887–1968)
- Grace Darling (1889–1964)
- Leonard Darling (1891–) lived in the UK and served in World War I. His son, Leonard Gordon Darling (1921-2015), also became a director of BHP.
- Norman Darling (1893–1964) became a director of John Darling & Son.
John Darling Jr. passed away in a hospital in Melbourne on March 27, 1914. He had traveled there for a meeting of BHP when he became ill. He left behind a very large estate, showing how successful he had been in business.
