Jenkin Coles
Sir Jenkin Coles | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1843-01-19 Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 1911-12-06 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, auctioneer, stock agent |
| Years active | 1875–1911 |
| Known for | Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly (1890–1911), Leader of the Opposition (1886–1887) |
Sir Jenkin Coles (19 January 1843 – 6 December 1911) was a distinguished figure in South Australian politics. He represented the Light electorate from 1875 to 1878 and again from 1881 to 1902, before serving the Wooroora constituency from 1902 until 1911 in the South Australian House of Assembly. Coles held the role of Leader of the Opposition between 1886 and 1887 and was appointed Speaker of the House of Assembly in 1890, a position he maintained until shortly prior to his passing in 1911.
Early life
Originating from Liverpool, New South Wales, Coles descended from a longstanding Northern Irish lineage. At age seven, his family relocated back to Europe, where he received his education at Christ's Hospital School in London.
Career
In 1858, Coles’ family established themselves in Adelaide. His early professional endeavors included a junior clerkship at the Murray River Navigation office, followed by a role as assistant dispenser at Adelaide hospital. Subsequently, he served three years with the mounted police. Transitioning into commerce, Coles became an auctioneer and stock agent and entered into partnership with Goodchild in the real estate enterprise Coles and Goodchild. The success of this venture enabled him to retire by the age of forty.
Coles commenced his political career with election to the House of Assembly for Light in 1875 but chose not to contest in 1878 due to professional commitments. He returned to represent Light in 1881 and later Wooroora, maintaining legislative service for over thirty years. His ministerial appointments included commissioner of crown lands (1884–85, 1887–89) and commissioner of public works (1885), reflecting his adeptness in governance.
Assuming the Speakership in 1890 following Sir John Bray’s tenure, Coles held this office for more than two decades—a record duration at that time. Renowned for his comprehensive understanding of parliamentary rules, balanced yet decisive leadership style, and impartial conduct, he commanded respect across political divisions while ensuring decorum within legislative proceedings.
In recognition of his service, he was knighted as a K.C.M.G. in 1894. In 1865, he married Ellen Henrietta Briggs; together they had four sons and seven daughters. Notably, two of their sons founded the auctioneering firm Coles Brothers located in Kapunda.