Edward John Peake
Edward John Peake | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1822 Gloucestershire, England |
| Died | 1876-03-23 |
| Occupation(s) | Winemaker, auctioneer, land agent, magistrate, parliamentarian |
| Years active | 1852–1874 |
| Known for | Establishing vineyard at Clarendon; Member of South Australian House of Assembly; Stipendiary Magistrate; influence on St Francis Xavier's Cathedral design |
Edward John Peake (1822 – 23 March 1876) was a multifaceted figure in early South Australia, known for his roles as a winemaker, auctioneer, land agent, magistrate, parliamentarian, and influential Catholic community member. Originating from Gloucestershire, he arrived in Australia around 1852 and traveled extensively before establishing himself in Adelaide approximately in 1855. In 1858, Peake acquired farmland at Clarendon from John Morphett, acting on behalf of William Augustine Leigh, which he converted into a successful vineyard and winery. His expertise in English Gothic Revival architectural style played a part in shaping the design of St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Adelaide.
Peake secured an auctioneer’s licence in 1855 and held the position of Chairman of Adelaide City Council by 1856. The following year, he was appointed a J.P. and later became Special Magistrate at Willunga in 1860. Between January and September 1868, he served as Stipendiary Magistrate before being removed and subsequently reinstated to the role. Although initially met with resistance from his peers on the bench, his decisions eventually earned widespread respect for their fairness.
In March 1857, Peake was elected to represent the seat of The Burra and Clare in the South Australian House of Assembly. He stepped down in October 1859 to take charge of the Traffic Branch of the South Australian Railways. Additionally, he was President of the Southern Rifle Association militia in 1862 and chaired the Duryea Mining Company. After leaving Clarendon in 1870, Peake continued his judicial career as Stipendiary Magistrate at Port Adelaide until declining health compelled him to resign late in 1874.
Family
His mother, Mary Peake (circa 1801 – 21 August 1867), passed away at Clarendon.
On 29 June 1867, he married Elizabeth Newman (died 18 April 1882), who was the eldest daughter of James Chambers and widow of John Holden Newman (circa 1835 – 11 November 1863). Elizabeth’s son from her previous marriage, John Holden Newman Jr., born on 13 March 1864, married Beatrice Emma Tate—daughter of professor Ralph Tate—and died on 29 August 1911 while in England.
Legacy
The vineyard established by Peake in 1858 eventually became known as the Old Clarendon Inn. By the late twentieth century, it had been renovated and repurposed as a venue offering dining and lodging.
Peake Creek was named after him by explorer John McDouall Stuart in June 1859; this name extended to Peake Station (The Peake), which was purchased by Kidman Holdings in 1898. The telegraph station at The Peake was constructed in 1870.