John Hood (Australian politician) facts for kids
John Hood (born around 1817 – died November 22, 1877) was an important person in early Australia. He was a chemist, which means he worked with chemicals, and also a politician, someone who helps make laws and run the government. He was a member of two important groups that made laws in Victoria, Australia: the Victorian Legislative Council and later the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
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Early Life and Beginnings
John Hood was born in a place called County Antrim in Ireland, around the year 1817. His father, James Hood, was a farmer, and his mother was Margaret O'Neill.
Moving to Australia
In June 1840, John Hood traveled a long way to arrive in Melbourne, Australia. This was a time when Melbourne was still quite new and growing fast. Around 1841, he started working for a business called Robert Wilson & Company. He was very good at his job and eventually became the leader of this company.
Becoming a Politician
John Hood decided to get involved in politics to help shape the new colony of Victoria.
Joining the Government
In 1856, when Victoria got its own set of rules for how the government would work (called a constitution), John Hood was chosen to be part of the Victorian Legislative Council. This group was like an "Upper House" of the government, helping to make laws. He represented an area called the Central Province. He served there until September 1859, when he decided to step down.
After leaving the Council, John Hood successfully ran for another important government group, the Victorian Legislative Assembly. This group was another part of the government that helped make laws. He was chosen to represent the area known as Belfast.
His Family
John Hood had a family that also achieved great things. His son was Sir Joseph Henry Hood (1846–1922), who became a judge in the highest court of Victoria, the Supreme Court of Victoria. John Hood's granddaughter was Florence Hood (1880–1968), who became a famous violinist.
