John Hawthorne (politician)
John Stuart Hawthorne | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Sydney, Australia |
| Died | July 30, 1942 (aged 94) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, auctioneer, estate agent, softgoods entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1875–1907 |
| Known for | Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly; advocate for Hawthorne Canal |
John Stuart Hawthorne (14 February 1848 – 30 July 1942) was a notable figure in Australian politics.
Early life
Hawthorne was born in Sydney to parents James Hawthorne and Jane Elkins. He received his education at Cleveland Street Public School before entering the softgoods industry and later founding his own enterprise in 1875. That same year, he wed Mary Emily Meyn in Singleton, and together they had nine children. Following financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy in 1884 and subsequent discharge in 1885, he transitioned into work as an auctioneer and estate agent based in Leichhardt.
Political career
In 1885, Hawthorne secured election to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing Balmain. With the emergence of political parties by 1887, he affiliated with the Free Trade Party. Despite encountering a second bankruptcy in 1890, he maintained his seat without opposition during the ensuing by-election and was released from bankruptcy in 1891.
The dissolution of multi-member districts in 1894 resulted in the division of Balmain. Although not chosen as the Free Trade candidate for Leichhardt, Hawthorne successfully won the seat as an independent. Subsequently, he rejoined the Free Trade Party and later aligned with the Liberal Reform Party when it was established in 1901. In 1904, after being denied Liberal Reform pre-selection in favor of Robert Booth—who received backing from the United Protestant Defence Association due to Hawthorne’s support for charitable organizations including a Catholic orphanage—he contested the election as an independent but was defeated by Booth. He made another independent attempt in 1907 but finished last.
During his tenure, Hawthorne served as Free Trade Whip under both the fifth Parkes ministry and the Reid government, although he never occupied ministerial or parliamentary offices.
Legacy
The name Hawthorne endures through the Hawthorne Canal, which he advocated for in parliament in 1890. This commemoration is also reflected in the Hawthorne Canal Reserve, Hawthorne Parade, and a stop on the Inner West Light Rail, all bearing his name.
Later life and death
Hawthorne died at Summer Hill on .
References