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UMPHERSTON

 

UMPHERSTON

 

James                   c1812 - 25 OCt 1900
                                                                   first  married
Janet ARNEIL         died 10 Jan 1877

 

                             No children from this marriage

                            James                          second  married         8 Mar 1878
                      Margaret FERGUSON        died 18 Mar 1919

                            No children from this marriage

James - had a strong interest in public affairs.

In 1861 he fought so vigorously against separation to form another colony with Western Victoria, he was described by one newspaper as "the interminable Umpherston."

He was involved in the local community and local government, holding office on many committees.

Chairman of the Mount Gambier District Council 1865-7 and East Gambier Council 1871-5, as well as serving on the council at other times.

He also served in state government, succeeding Adam Lindsay Gordon as the member for the electorate of Victoria in the Legislative Assembly from 1866-8. His platform consisted mainly of improved roads, wide gauge railways, ports and an equitable wastelands system.

James was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a Justice of the Peace and Elder of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.

Elected chairman of the local branch of the Agricultural Bureau of South Australia in 1884, was chairman of the Mount Gambier Caledonian Society in 1886 and started Arbor Day in 1890.

for fuller details see http://www.shepsplace.net/family_history/names23.php