John Hart (South Australian colonist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain John Hart CMG
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| 10th Premier of South Australia | |
| In office 23 October 1865 – 28 March 1866 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | Dominick Daly |
| Preceded by | Henry Ayers |
| Succeeded by | James Boucaut |
| In office 24 September 1868 – 13 October 1868 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | Sir James Fergusson |
| Preceded by | Henry Ayers |
| Succeeded by | Henry Ayers |
| In office 30 May 1870 – 10 November 1871 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | Sir James Fergusson |
| Preceded by | Henry Strangways |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Blyth |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 February 1809 London, England, United Kingdom |
| Died | 28 January 1873 (aged 63) Adelaide, South Australia |
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Captain John Hart (25 February 1809 – 28 January 1873) was an important politician in South Australia. He served three times as the Premier of South Australia, which is like being the leader of the government. He was also a successful sailor and a flour mill owner. In 1870, he was awarded the CMG, which stands for Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, a special honour from the British Crown.
Contents
Early Life and Sea Adventures
John Hart was born in London, England, on 25 February 1809. When he was just 12 years old, he began his life at sea. This was a common path for young boys back then.
Exploring Australia's Coasts
By 1832, Hart was in charge of a schooner named Elizabeth. This ship was used for seal hunting around Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, and Gulf St Vincent in Australia. He helped transport important people and livestock (farm animals) between different parts of Australia.
In 1837, he brought the first livestock from Tasmania to South Australia. Sadly, his ship was wrecked on the return trip, and he lost everything. Despite this, he continued his work, even exploring parts of the Murray River. He quickly saw how important this river would become for transport.
From Sailor to Businessman
After many years at sea, Captain Hart decided to settle down in 1846. He chose to live near Port Adelaide in South Australia. Here, he started a successful business with a partner, H. Kent Hughes. Later, he ran his own company, Hart & Company.
He built large and very successful flour mills. His flour was known as "Hart's Flour" and was considered the best in Australia. This made him a very respected businessman. His company later joined with the Adelaide Milling Company in 1882.
Hart also became involved in copper mining. When some questions were raised about his business dealings, he asked for an investigation. A special committee looked into it and found that he had acted honourably and honestly in every way.
Political Career
John Hart became a significant figure in South Australian politics. He was elected to the South Australian Legislative Council and later the South Australian House of Assembly.
Serving as Premier
Captain Hart served as the Premier of South Australia three times:
- From October 1865 to March 1866
- From September 1868 to October 1868
- From May 1870 to November 1871
As Premier, he played a key role in shaping the early government and development of South Australia. He worked under Queen Victoria and with governors like Dominick Daly and Sir James Fergusson.
Later Life and Family
John Hart married Margaret Gillmor Todd in 1845. They had two sons and five daughters. One of his sons, John Hart Jr., also became a politician, serving in the South Australian House of Assembly.
Captain John Hart passed away suddenly on 28 January 1873. He was leading a meeting at the Adelaide Town Hall when he died. He left behind his wife and many children.
Images for kids
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Hart's Mill (1855, centre) and the Adelaide Milling Company flour mill (c.1890, right) were important landmarks at Port Adelaide.
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Glanville Hall, Captain Hart's family home built in 1856, is now a function centre.
