John Thomas Campbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Campbell
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|---|---|
| Member of New South Wales Legislative Council | |
| In office 30 January 1829 – 7 January 1830 |
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| Collector of Customs | |
| In office 5 Apr 1827 – December 1827 |
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| Preceded by | John Piper |
| Succeeded by | Michael Cotton |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Thomas Campbell
8 April 1770 Ulster, Ireland |
| Died | 7 January 1830 (aged 59) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
John Thomas Campbell (1770–1830) was an important public servant and politician in early Australia. He helped run the colony of New South Wales and was a member of its first government council.
Contents
Early Life
John Campbell was born in Ulster, Ireland, in 1770. He was the oldest son of Reverend William Campbell and Mary Campbell. John and his brothers were taught at home by their father.
From 1793 to 1795, he worked at the new Bank of Ireland. This experience helped him later in Australia.
Helping the Governor
John Campbell arrived in Sydney on 1 January 1810. He was chosen to be the main assistant to Governor Lachlan Macquarie. This job was called "vice-regal secretary".
For eleven years, Campbell was Governor Macquarie's closest helper and friend. He played a big part in running the colony. He was paid by the British government, and Governor Macquarie added more money from the colony's funds.
After this, from 1820 to 1825, he worked as the Provost Marshal. This role was similar to a chief law enforcement officer.
A Leader in Banking
John Campbell also helped start the Bank of New South Wales. This bank is now known as Westpac. He was the first president of its board of directors from 1816 to 1821.
He was asked to join the board again in 1827 but decided not to take the position.
In 1821, Campbell was the treasurer for a group building the first Catholic church in Sydney. This church was St Mary's. Even though he was not Catholic himself, he helped with this important project.
Joining the Government
In 1824, Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane thought John Campbell would be a good choice for the new New South Wales Legislative Council. This council helped the governor make laws.
Later, in 1826, Governor (Sir) Ralph Darling made Campbell a member of the Land Board. He also joined a board that helped organize the government offices.
In April 1827, Governor Darling gave him another important job: Collector of Customs. This meant he was in charge of collecting taxes on goods coming into the colony. He resigned from this job in December of the same year.
In 1829, John Campbell became a member of the expanded New South Wales Legislative Council. He served on the council until he passed away.
His Own Land
Outside of his public work, John Campbell was a successful farmer. He owned a lot of land and was good at raising cattle and horses.
In 1811, Governor Macquarie gave him about 1,550 acres (627 hectares) of land near Bringelly. He also received land near Rooty Hill. He owned many animals in southern New South Wales too.
John Campbell never got married and did not have any children.
His Final Years
John Campbell died in Sydney on 7 January 1830. He was 59 years old.
