John Neales
John Bentham Neales | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1806-06-13 Plymouth, England |
| Died | 1873-07-31 |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician, auctioneer |
| Years active | 1838–1873 |
| Known for | "Father of Mining in South Australia" |
John Bentham Neales (13 June 1806 – 31 July 1873), frequently referred to as "J. Bentham Neales" or simply "Bentham Neales," was a leading entrepreneur and political figure in early South Australian history, often hailed as the "Father of Mining in South Australia."
Born in Plymouth, England, Neales was the son of Elizabeth née Bentham. After losing his parents at a young age, he was brought up by an uncle before emigrating to South Australia aboard the Eden, arriving on 24 June 1838.
Career
Neales began his professional journey in Adelaide as a merchant and auctioneer, taking over much of Robert Cock's enterprise. He was appointed Government auctioneer and initially adopted the pseudonym "Neales Bentham" to avoid confusion with another auctioneer. In 1840, he founded the Adelaide Auction Company. Additionally, he invested in real estate at Port Lincoln and launched its inaugural newspaper, the Port Lincoln Herald, in 1839.
In 1841, Neales played a pivotal role in establishing the South Australian Mining Association, which managed the "Wheal Gawler" silver-lead mines at Glen Osmond and later at Montacute. This association later developed the highly profitable copper mine at Burra, which contributed substantially to Neales’ fortune.
He purchased John Richardson's auction enterprise located at King William and Hindley streets and inaugurated "Neale's Exchange Rooms" in 1846—recognized as South Australia's first significant stock exchange—situated at the front of his Auction Mart.
Around 1860, Neales took part in a Parliamentary investigation concerning the flotation of James Chambers' Great Northern Copper Mining Company.
Public life
As one of Adelaide’s inaugural Board of City Commissioners and subsequently a city councillor, Neales was an active advocate for key infrastructure developments such as roads, the railway connecting to the Port (1849), water supply, drainage systems, and gas utilities.
He received an appointment to the South Australian Legislative Council in 1851 and was elected for the North Adelaide seat in 1855. Neales contributed to drafting the State Constitution in 1852.
His legislative career included representation in the South Australian House of Assembly for the City of Adelaide from 1857 to 1860 and for The Burra from 1862 to 1870, where he served alongside George Cole. In 1865, he succeeded Francis Dutton as Minister for Crown Lands, a position he held for one year. Following an electoral defeat, Neales returned unopposed to the Legislative Council in 1870 and remained a member until his passing.
Recognition
On 6 June 1859, explorer John McDouall Stuart honored him by naming Neales River after Neales.
The Hundred of Neales also commemorates his name.
John Howard Clark paid homage to Neales in The Register, emphasizing his foundational role in mining and entrepreneurship:
- Father of all our mining, fitly named!
What hidden veins of wealth throughout the land, What copper lodes for richness justly famed Owe their first opening to his helping hand. True colonist, 'tis such as thee we need, Who hoard not riches up in selfish greed, But spend them in such enterprise as this.
Clark underscored Neales’ vital influence on mining advancement, infrastructure projects, and public service, highlighting his enduring legacy in fostering South Australia's development and prosperity.
Family
On 11 July 1843, Neales wed Margaret Williams (circa 1808 – 18 October 1877). Together, they had five children: two sons and three daughters.
- Elizabeth Bentham Neales (circa 1843 – 28 May 1933) became the wife of Rev. Thomas Field (later Canon) on 5 November 1867
- William Bentham Neales (3 May 1844 – 28 February 1914) married Emma Palmer on 21 April 1883. He was instrumental in founding the Baker's Creek Company, which successfully mined substantial gold deposits near Hillgrove, New South Wales, and also helped establish the Adelaide Crystal Ice Company
- John Bentham Neales (18 June 1845 – 18 October 1906)
- Caroline Bentham Neales (born 23 February 1848) married John Lyon Field on 3 June 1873
- Margaret Bentham Neales (died 6 December 1925) was married to Robert Maxwell Bunbury from 16 December 1880
Sources
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/neales-john-bentham-2503