Chambers brothers (pastoralists)

James and John Chambers
Born	Ponders End, London, England (James); Ponders End, Middlesex, England (John)
Died	7 August 1862 (James); 26 September 1889 (John)
Occupation(s)	Pastoralists, livestock dealers
Known for	Early settlers of South Australia; patrons of John McDouall Stuart's explorations; pastoralism and mining ventures

James and John Chambers were among the pioneering settlers of the colony of South Australia, having emigrated from England in 1836. They amassed considerable wealth as pastoralists and played a crucial role as patrons of John McDouall Stuart's exploration ventures across Australia.

Born to William and Elizabeth (née Wilson) Chambers, James arrived aboard the Coromandel at Holdfast Bay on 17 January 1837, following delays caused by inadequate supplies and illness during the voyage. The remainder of the family, including their sister Priscilla Chambers, reached South Australia safely on the James Renwick on 10 February 1837. Their extended kinship network included James Redin, brother to Catherine and Mary, who immigrated in 1856.

Historian Margaret Goyder Kerr observed notable differences in the brothers’ physical traits and personalities; however, both signed documents simply as "J. Chambers," which has made it challenging to distinguish their individual contributions.

James Chambers

James Chambers—known as "Jemmy" (21 September 1811 – 7 August 1862) and originally from Ponders End, London—was a prosperous grazier and pastoralist in South Australia. Together with his brother John, he was instrumental in sponsoring John McDouall Stuart's expeditions into the Australian interior.

James was a pioneer in establishing bullock team routes connecting Adelaide with Port Adelaide and Glenelg, effectively laying the groundwork for major transport corridors such as Port Road and Bay Road. He grazed sheep on common lands that are now part of Coromandel Valley and acquired a town acre during the colony’s initial land sale. Leveraging his horse-trading experience from England, he imported horses from Tasmania.

The brothers constructed their home on Montefiore Hill in North Adelaide at what would later become the site of John Langdon Bonython's Carclew.

James ran a livery stable in North Adelaide, procured bullocks and wagons from Cape Town as well as coaches from England, and secured the mail delivery contract to Burra around 1845 with support from postmaster-general John Cliffe Watts. He developed an extensive passenger transport service catering to mining districts north of Adelaide and supported expeditions such as those led by Gawler.

In 1852, he provided horses and carts for Alexander Tolmer's gold escort journey from Mount Alexander to Adelaide.

His involvement with the South Australian Jockey Club included serving as Clerk of Course in 1850.

By 1853, James sold his enterprise to Simms & Hayter for approximately £14,000 before traveling to Long Sutton, Lincolnshire to enhance his horse-dealing skills. Upon his return in 1856 aboard the Albuera, he brought back valuable livestock including horses, cattle, and sheep.

Between 1854 and 1857, James and John ended their business partnership by selling off 1700 square miles (4403 km²) for £48,000 while keeping possession of 270 square miles (699 km²) in northern territories.

Mining

On 23 July 1857, James and his associate William Finke uncovered copper deposits on their northern land and secured lease number 5 over an eighty-acre tract, later called the Oratunga Mine.

They established the Great Northern Copper Mining Company, transferring ownership of eleven mines—including Nuccaleena and Oratunga No.2—to the enterprise. Initially, the firm consisted of eleven shareholders. Its 1860 debut on the London Stock Exchange was overshadowed by misconduct, deceit, and fraudulent activities. The first application for a mining lease was denied by Commissioner Charles Bonney, but his successor, John Bentham Neales, M.P., circumvented usual protocols such as claim validation and approvals from the Survey Department, Lands Office, Chief Secretary, and Governor, accelerating signed documentation to mining captains traveling to London. The company's prospectus exaggerated ore reserves, falsely claimed government railway construction aimed at the mine (which was actually surveyed toward Mount Remarkable), asserted a substantial bid from Burra stakeholders, declared support from Governor Sir Richard MacDonnell, and listed John Morphett as a director without his permission. During this timeframe, lease ownership shifted from Chambers and Finke to John Baker M.L.C. and Paxton.

In the ensuing parliamentary investigation led by Townsend, Chambers declined to respond to inquiries; Finke evaded attendance by traveling interstate; Baker invoked parliamentary privilege; and Neales justified his conduct as consistent with precedent. Meanwhile, company directors reduced their shareholdings from 1,500 shares each down to between 200 and 300 shares while stock prices remained elevated.

Exploration

James Chambers played a major role in equipping John McDouall Stuart for four of his six northern explorations. His brother John provided supplies for the initial journey, while the Government financed the sixth expedition. The final mission departed with ceremony on 25 October 1861 from James's home on Montefiore Hill, North Adelaide. James passed away later due to complications from a carbuncle, without learning of the expedition’s successful outcome.

Family

James Chambers wed Catherine Redin (17 May 1809 – 20 June 1875) from Newton, Lincolnshire, England, on 6 August 1836. It remains uncertain whether she arrived in Australia aboard the Coromandel or the James Renwick. Her sister married John Chambers; her brother James Watson Redin (15 April 1813 – 22 August 1871) also emigrated and resided at Aldinga, South Australia.

• Elizabeth Chambers (1837 – 18 April 1882) married John Holden Newman (1835 – 11 November 1863) in 1862 and subsequently wed Edward John Peake in 1867.
  • Elizabeth Catherine Newman (19 December 1862 – 25 April 1864)
  • John Holden Newman Jr. (13 March 1864 – 29 August 1911) married Beatrice Emma Tate and later relocated to England.

• James Chambers Jr. (1839–1893), living at "Wattaburrie" Port Elliot, married Emily Norall (c.1840 – 1918).
  • Emily Chambers (born 1867)
  • Catherine Chambers (1869 – circa 1949) married surveyor Walter Robert Gething; they resided in Broken Hill before moving to Adelaide.
  • James Chambers (born 1877) married Mary Alice Provis; their son was born in 1903.

• Catherine Chambers (1843–1904) married her cousin, auctioneer John Barker, in 1872. The town of Katherine, Northern Territory was named in her honor.
  • Alfred Edward Barker (died 1925)
  • Priscilla Mary Barker (1883 – 1918)
  • Eleanor Kate Barker (died 1954)

• Anna Chambers (1845 – 1907) married Peleg Whitford Jackson in 1869; he was connected with Victorian Coach Company, Cobb & Co, and Murray & Jackson steamboats. They lived across several Australian states and had six children.

• Hugh Chambers (1848 – 1893) wed Agnes May Ward and resided at Montefiore Hill.
  • Nina Chambers (1874 –1955), a well-known socialite in Prospect
  • Ruby Chambers (1876 –1934), also recognized as a notable socialite
  • Rita Gay Chambers (1879 –1949) married John Whinham Packard
  • Alan Ward Chambers (1881 –1943), later moved to Whakatane, New Zealand
  • Stuart Hansford Chambers (1883 –1969) married Ruby Rogers Skinner

Barker & Chambers

John Barker, along with Catherine, Hugh Chambers, and Agnes, founded the enterprise Barker and Chambers, which held substantial property interests, including the notable "Comongin Holdings" in Queensland. This venture eventually evolved into McLean & Barker & Co.

Their business operations included managing the "horse bazaar" located on Sturt Street in Adelaide, as well as premises on Grenfell Street and within Gay's Arcade. After a fire devastated the Gay's Arcade site in November 1884, it was reconstructed and incorporated into the Adelaide Arcade.

When cattle trader Edward Meade Bagot (1822–1886), founder of Bagot, Shakes and Lewis, went missing, John Barker took charge of organizing the search efforts.

Recognition

James Chambers' name has been commemorated in several geographic features. In the Adelaide Hills, Chambers Creek and Chambers Hill bear his name.

In Central Australia, explorer John McDouall Stuart named prominent landmarks such as Chambers Pillar, River Chambers, and the Chambers Range in his honor.

Chambers Bay near modern Darwin was initially called Elizabeth Bay by Stuart but was renamed to honor James Chambers' eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The Katherine River and its adjacent town were named after his second daughter, Catherine.

Further places named after John Chambers' children include Anna Creek, Edwards Creek, and William Creek, designated respectively by explorers Peter Warburton, surveyor Lee, and Stuart.

John Chambers

John Chambers (circa 1814 or 1815 – 26 September 1889), originally from Ponders End, Middlesex, became a distinguished grazier and pastoralist in South Australia.

He and his brother James began their careers as livestock dealers in East Dereham, Norfolk. John emigrated to South Australia in 1837 with his family. Early in his career there, he supported exploration teams such as those led by William Light and was among the pioneers to cultivate land and construct dwellings in Adelaide. After some initial overextensions in business ventures, he acquired 1,200 acres at Cherry Gardens, South Australia where he concentrated on sheep farming.

By 1846, Chambers expanded operations into the Riverland area near Lake Bonney Riverland, converting land to leasehold status by 1851 and establishing a central station at Cobdogla focused on breeding horses and cattle. Together with James, he secured leases near what is now Renmark, South Australia in 1858, founding stations named "Bookmark" and "Chowilla." Between 1854 and 1857, following the dissolution of their partnership, they sold approximately 1,700 square miles of land for £48,000.

Around 1860, John acquired further leases from William Finke and appointed James Redin as station manager. He prudently divested much of his property by 1863 to avoid losses during drought conditions. The Bookmark and Chowilla stations were sold to Richard Holland before passing into the hands of William and Robert Robertson. In 1887, a portion of Bookmark was resumed by the South Australian government to facilitate irrigation projects led by the Chaffey brothers and to support the founding of Renmark.

John Chambers established a base at Mount Samuel with his brother James and provided backing for exploration endeavors such as those conducted by Herschel Babbage in the Flinders Ranges. His pastoral holdings extended across areas including Pekina, Mount Remarkable, Moolooloo, Bobmoonie, Oratunga, Wirrealpa, Stuart Creek, and Cournamont. Additionally, he maintained mining leases near Blinman, South Australia.

A significant contribution of John Chambers was his sponsorship of explorer John McDouall Stuart’s expeditions throughout Australia. He supplied horses, provisions, and manpower drawn from his own employees.

He passed away at approximately 74 years old at his residence near Richmond, South Australia.

Family

In October 1836, John entered into marriage with Mary Redin (circa 1812 – 24 March 1904). Their offspring comprised:

• Fanny Chambers (1841 – 30 December 1915), who wed stockbroker Alfred Francis Weaver (died 27 April 1921) on 29 June 1876
• Charles Chambers (1843 – 24 June 1877), united in marriage with Mary Jane Ransford (1849–1925) on 30 April 1873

• • Edgar Charles Chambers (1875 – 2 February 1910) oversaw operations at the West End Brewery in Broken Hill.

• Mary Chambers (1846 – 5 December 1925), married Frederick James Blades (circa 1830 – 16 November 1895) on 16 June 1869
• William Chambers (1849 – 23 May 1930), married Clara Bailey (circa 1854 – 1937) on 19 April 1877; they had three children.

He was a partner in the brewing enterprise Chambers and Blades, proprietors of the Dragon Brewery, Green Dragon Hotel, Tanner's Arms in Unley, and Queen's Head in the city, collaborating with his brother Charles Chambers and brother-in-law F. J. Blades.

• Priscilla Chambers (circa 1852 – 17 November 1924), first married Alfred Simms (circa 1854 – 30 May 1901), son of William Knox Simms, on 17 June 1874; subsequently married Harry Bickford (1843–1927) on 8 December 1904; no children resulted from either union.
• Ellen Chambers (1854 – 30 July 1932), married attorney Alfred Robert Blockley Lucas (circa 1856 – 1 June 1901) on 18 June 1885

The Chambers siblings adopted a largely non-interventionist approach to management, entrusting experienced overseers such as James Trussell (1826–1895), who administered Cobdogla Station for nearly half a century.

Neither John nor Charles participated extensively in civic matters; John was well-regarded within the Adelaide Hunt Club and maintained Richmond House racing stables. Both brothers were deeply involved in the horse racing community.

Recognition

Explorer John McDouall Stuart honored John’s daughters by naming the Mary River and Fanny River after them, while the William River commemorated his second son.

Benjamin Chambers

Benjamin Chambers (circa 1808 – May 1852) emigrated from Norwich alongside his wife Emily and brother John aboard the John Renwick. He established himself in the Upper Sturt/Cherry Gardens/Coromandel Valley region and likely collaborated with John in overseeing the Pekina run, though he remained largely uninvolved in public affairs. There is no documented information regarding any descendants.

Priscilla Chambers

Priscilla Chambers (1816 – 31 December 1900) arrived with her brother John aboard the John Renwick on 10 February 1837.

In 1842, she married Alfred Barker (1812 – 24 January 1880), a former officer of the Rapid, settling initially at Yankalilla, South Australia. The couple later relocated to Burra, where Alfred managed the Burra Hotel before assuming control of Baldina Run station in 1862. Alfred passed away at Baldina House, St. John's Wood (currently part of Prospect, South Australia); Priscilla died at Henley Beach, South Australia.

Family

• Their eldest son, William Pitt Barker (circa 1844 – 17 February 1914), married Jane Young from Kooringa, South Australia in 1875 and resided at Baldina station. He held partial ownership of Comongin Station near Quilpie, Queensland, operated by McLean, Barker & Co from approximately 1882 until its sale in 1914.
• The second son, John Barker (1847 – circa1919), married Catherine Chambers in 1872; together with John Chambers, they established Barker and Chambers, significant landowners within Queensland.
• Eldest daughter Mary Barker was wed to Donald MacLean in 1866.
• Priscilla Barker (1853–1931) married Gustav Wilhelm Moritz von Rieben in the year 1892.

James Redin

James Watson Redin (15 April 1813 – 22 August 1871), sibling to Catherine and Mary Chambers, was born at Newton Hall in Lincolnshire. Although he initially secured passage on the James Renwick in 1837, he chose not to embark and subsequently arrived in South Australia approximately in 1855. His brother Thomas Redin (born 1814) was listed as a passenger on the John Renwick voyage of 1836; no additional information is currently available.

Family

He was married to Susan (circa 1808 – 23 November 1870) and resided in Crowder Street, Lower Mitcham, South Australia, as well as Aldinga, South Australia. Their offspring included:

• James Redin (circa 1840 – 9 June 1905), who wed Emma Coles (circa 1842 – 1932), daughter of Alfred Coles from Aldinga, on 9 January 1863. He was employed at John Chambers' Bookmark station along the River Murray—later known for the Chaffey brothers' irrigation schemes—suffered a railway accident around 1890, and eventually retired to Campbelltown.
  • Alfred J. Redin, eldest son of James, married Lilian E. M. Swansborough on 31 December 1888; he may be the A. Redin connected with the horse Defamation in 1893.
• Horatio Redin (1841 – 26 November 1880), second son of James Redin from Hackney.
  • Horatio Samuel Redin (1865 – July 1887), noted athlete and reporter for the South Australian Advertiser, passed away due to pneumonia; his father lived at Palm Place, Hackney.
• Walter Newton, third son of James Redin from Palm Place, Hackney, married Lucy Elizabeth Edwards on 22 February 1899.
• A W. Redin was active as both a reporter and cricketer in the early 1890s—likely Walter Newton.
• M. E. Redin managed a wheat farm as of 1901.

See also

• Bowman brothers
• Robertson brothers (pastoralists)