Thomas Magarey facts for kids
Thomas Magarey (born February 25, 1825 – died August 31, 1902) was an important person in early South Australia. He was born in Ireland and became a successful miller and farmer. When he was 17, he moved to New Zealand, and then at 20, he came to Adelaide, South Australia. Thomas also served in the government, first in the South Australian House of Assembly for West Torrens, and later in the South Australian Legislative Council. He was a very religious man and helped start the first Church of Christ in Australia.
Life Story
Thomas Magarey was born in County Down, Ireland. He married Elizabeth Verco in 1848. They first lived in Noarlunga, then moved to Hindmarsh in 1849. In Hindmarsh, Thomas and his brother James bought a flour mill. Later, in the 1850s, Thomas moved to Enfield, South Australia. Thomas and Elizabeth had ten children and many grandchildren.
Thomas was known for being very generous and caring about his community. He bought land in the countryside and rented it out cheaply to farmers who were struggling. He even gave them the chance to buy the land later. This helped many poor farmers become successful landowners. In 1876, Thomas also gave money to help start the Adelaide Children's Hospital, which is still an important hospital today. In 1890, he donated a fire engine to the Hindmarsh Volunteer Fire Brigade. Thomas Magarey passed away at his farm in Enfield in 1902.
His Family
Thomas Magarey and Elizabeth Verco were married in 1848. They had a large family, and some of their children and relatives also became well-known.
- Alexander Thomas Magarey (1849–1906) was one of the first members of the Geographical Society of South Australia. He was also part of an important exploration trip called the Calvert expedition.
- Dr. Sylvanus James Magarey (1850–1901) was a respected surgeon. He was closely involved with the Adelaide Children's Hospital. He also served in the Legislative Council of South Australia, helping to make laws for the region.
- James William Magarey (1857–1934) was another of Thomas's sons.
- Dr. Cromwell Magarey (1864–1940) was one of the first doctors to graduate from the Adelaide Medical School.
Thomas's brother, James Magarey (1818–1859), also owned a flour mill in Hindmarsh. James sadly drowned when his ship, the SS Admella, was wrecked.
James's son, William James Magarey (1840–1920), also worked in flour mills and was a member of the House of Assembly for West Torrens.
A great-nephew of Thomas, William Ashley Magarey (1868–1929), was a lawyer and a big fan of sports. He created the Magarey Medal, which is a famous award given every year to the best Australian Rules football player in South Australia.
