John Rounsevell
John Rounsevell | |
|---|---|
| Born | circa 1836 Landunna, Altarnun, Cornwall |
| Died | 15 May 1902 |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, politician |
| Known for | Pastoralism in South Australia; Member of the South Australian House of Assembly |
John Rounsevell (circa 1836 – 15 May 1902) was a prominent pastoralist and political figure in the British colony of South Australia. His sibling, William Benjamin "Ben" Rounsevell, also held a political role within South Australia.
History
Originating from Landunna, Altarnun, Cornwall, John emigrated to South Australia with his parents, William and Grace, aboard the City of Adelaide, arriving on 6 July 1839. He received his education at St Peter's College before joining his father’s livery stable and mail coach enterprise. As a partner, he managed operations extending north of Kapunda and developed skills as an accomplished horseman and whip handler.
Following the sale of the family business to Cobb and Co., John took over management and subsequently inherited Corryton Park near Mount Crawford. His focus shifted towards government contracts, including supplying railway sleepers and supervising a segment of the Adelaide to Darwin telegraph line northward from Port Augusta. His efforts involved provision of telegraph poles alongside substantial numbers of horses, bullocks, and camels.
In 1864, Rounsevell purchased pastoral properties close to the Warburton Range and adjacent regions. He established a trigonometrical station on what became known as Rounsevell Hill and designated landmarks such as the Gibraltar granite formation and Sturt's Rock.
At Corryton Park, he advanced sheep grazing operations by breeding stud sheep, with his wool production gaining recognition both locally in South Australia and internationally in London.
Politics
Rounsevell was elected in 1865 to represent the district of Light in the South Australian House of Assembly, serving until his retirement two years later. Additionally, he represented Gumeracha from 1865 to 1868 and again between 1880 and 1881.
His public service extended to membership on the Adelaide City Council. His residence, named "Landunna," located at 111 Hutt Street (corner with Angas Street), became the premises of the Naval, Military & Air Force Club of South Australia Inc. in 1957. The property’s grounds include a cannon originating from HMS Buffalo, the vessel that transported Governor Hindmarsh to South Australia.
Family
John Rounsevell entered into four marriages: first with Emma Hart (circa 1841–1876) in 1857; then Eliza Hart (circa 1842–1881) in 1877; followed by Elizabeth Jane Coombs (1856–1886) in 1881; and finally Sarah Coombs (1859–circa 1932), Elizabeth’s sister, in 1887. Their offspring comprised:
- Emma Adelaide Rounsevell (1859–1863), born at Kapunda
- (John) William Henry Rounsevell (1860–1893)
- Emma (Eliza) Victoria Rounsevell (died 1929), who married Augustus Samuel Beaumont in 1879
- Florence Victoria Maria Rounsevell (1865–1950), wed solicitor Thomas Gepp in 1884
- Horace Vernon Rounsevell (1867–circa 1919), partner in Symon, Rounsevell, & Cleland; married Clara Rachel Coombs in 1912
- Ruby Rounsevell (1883–1965), married Walter Charles Wurm (later Weston) in 1910
- Harold Rounsevell (1885–1893)
- Reginald Rounsevell (1886–1945), employed by Bank of Australasia
- Benjamin Corryton Rounsevell (1889–1933)
- Clara Myrtle Rounsevell (1895–1971)
- John Corryton Rounsevell (1897–1968)