Charles Burney Young
Charles Burney Young | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | September 29, 1904 (aged 80) |
| Occupation(s) | Landowner, vintner, politician |
| Known for | Early development of South Australia, South Australian Legislative Council member |
Charles Burney Young (7 July 1824 – 29 September 1904), commonly referred to as C. B. Young, was a distinguished landowner, vintner, and political figure in the early development of South Australia.
History
Originating from England with Scottish ancestry, Young pursued his education at London University. In 1851, he wed Nora Creina Bacon (1835–1925) from Swanscombe, Kent. The couple migrated to South Australia in 1854 aboard the Flora Kerr. After establishing themselves in North Adelaide, Young commenced work as a draughtsman within the Public Works Department in 1856 and subsequently advanced to a surveying role.
Nora Creina was the daughter of Major General Bacon and Lady Charlotte Harley, who was renowned as Lord Byron’s muse "Ianthe." Nora’s brothers, Edward and Harley Bacon, initially settled in South Australia but later returned to England to secure an inheritance that required adopting the surname Harley. Lady Bacon resided in Adelaide between 1865 and 1877.
Young made significant investments in agricultural land. He acquired a residence named "Swanscombe" in Walkerville, which served as the family home. At Kanmantoo, he founded a vineyard known for its acclaimed "St. George claret." He also purchased an extensive property on Blyth Plains, where he subdivided parcels for tenant farmers while maintaining sheep grazing and wheat cultivation on the remaining land. Furthermore, he leased territory near Port Augusta for raising beef cattle.
His portfolio grew to include Mount Templeton Station, Macumba Station, along with large estates at The Hummocks, Andamooka, Port Broughton, and Port Pirie. Of particular note is that David Unaipon, a member of the Ngarrindjeri people, was employed at both "Swanscombe" and the Kanmantoo Estate.
Politics
Young secured election to the South Australian Legislative Council in September 1878 but stepped down in June 1880 to undertake travel to England.
Other interests
He was instrumental in founding South Australia’s inaugural Polo Club and Hunt Club and maintained a keen interest in cricket. Young served as a governor at St. Peter's College, where his sons received their education. He held the position of Honorary Secretary for the Aborigines' Friends Association and was actively engaged with St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Walkerville. His involvement extended to membership on the Education Board as well as participation in the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society and the Aborigines' Friends' Association.
Family
In 1852, he married Nora Creina Bacon (1835 – 1925) of Swanscombe, Kent. Their offspring included:
- Rev. Charles Herbert Young (circa 1853 – 1938), who married Jane Bedford and lived first in Tasmania before relocating to Bath, England.
- Wilbraham Harley Young (1856 – 1887), who died due to a horse-riding accident in Burketown; honored by a stained-glass memorial.
- Edward Burney Young (born 1859), married Mary Alice Dugald-Smith in 1894; oversaw operations at the London Wine Depot from 1892 until 1904.
- Arthur Loraine Young (1861 – 1885), also memorialized with stained glass.
- Nora Creina (born 1863), who wed Charles Augustus Oldham in 1887 and moved to London.
- Harry Dove Young (1867 – 1944), married Anna Theresa Moore; noted winemaker, sports enthusiast, and politician based at Kanmantoo.
- Gilbert Bacon Young (1869 – 1870)
- Florence Young (1872 – 1929), resident of Walkerville.
Their family home was "Swanscombe," located on Fuller Street near St Andrew's Church in Walkerville.
Memorials
Within St. Andrew's Church in Walkerville, four stained glass windows serve as tributes to George Burney Young, his spouse Nora Creina Young, along with her mother and sister, as well as their two sons who passed away at a young age.