E. L. Killen
Eric Lyle Killen | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 9, 1892 Prahran, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | February 9, 1955 (aged 63) Cowra, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Livestock farmer, pastoralist |
| Known for | Leadership in Australian cattle breeding and graziers' associations |
Eric Lyle Killen (born 9 February 1892, died 9 February 1955) was a distinguished livestock farmer based in New South Wales.
History
Originating from Prahran, Victoria, Killen belonged to the notable Killen family, recognized for their extensive pastoral ventures within New South Wales. Throughout his career, he assumed significant leadership positions, serving as president of the N.S.W. Cattle Breeders' Association in 1939 and leading the Graziers' Association of New South Wales during 1945–46. Additionally, he acted as the association's delegate to the Australian Woolgrowers' Council between 1939 and 1948.
In the period of World War II, Killen played a vital role in industry oversight by participating in the Central Wool Committee from 1939 to 1942 and holding the chairmanship of the Country Party from 1940 until 1942. Demonstrating his dedication to advancing Australian cattle breeding, he imported stud cattle from the United States in 1937 to improve his Antrim Poll Shorthorn stock. From 1942 to 1945, he was president of the United Stud Beef Cattle Breeders' Association of Australia.
Personal
On 26 April 1913, Killen wed Irene Ella Henderson; together they had one son and five daughters. He passed away at "Stranraer" in Cowra, New South Wales, at the age of 63.
Family
Edward Killen (circa 1833 – 1909), who emigrated from County Antrim in 1876, established substantial pastoral properties near Wanaaring and Cowra. He was married twice: first to Isabella and subsequently to Mary.
- William Wilson Killen (1860 – 1939), son of Edward, managed prominent estates such as Bull Plain and Pirillie Station under lease agreements. He was a leader within the Farmers' and Settlers' Association and represented the Division of Riverina as a federal parliamentarian during the 1920s. He married Marion Young; their offspring included Harold Charles Killen, Edward Cecil Lyle Killen—who oversaw Benerembah station—and Richard Lyle Killen, an RAAF pilot.
- Edward Killen (circa 1865 – 1933), another son of Edward, owned multiple stations located at Cobar, Nyngan, and near Yass. He actively participated in graziers’ organizations and was married to Annie Lyle Young, sister of Marion Young.
- The children of Edward and Annie comprised:**
- Eric Lyle Killen** (1892–1955), husband to Irene Ella Henderson; their children were Neal Beresford Killen (residing in Orange), Isobel Beatrice Killen, Thora Lyle Craig (of Mosman), Bernice Muriel Killen Thomas (from Lindfield), Anne Irene "Nan" Killen Walker (living in Narromine), Diana Lyle Killen MacGillivray (based in Scotland), Geoffrey Lyle Killen (associated with Moonagee Station), pastoralist Bryce Killen—who initiated the Willeroo/Scott Creek sorghum project—and Darrel Killen, involved in cinema development.
Other descendants include daughters Mary, Jane (who married John Ekin), Isabella "Ella" (wife of William Dunlop), and Hannah (married to William Todd).
The Australian politician Jim Killen (1925–2007) is not closely connected to this lineage.