Barton, Edmund, 1849-1920

Sir Edmund Barton (1849-1920) was the first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, having previously been a leading advocate of Federation and one of the draftsmen of the Australian Constitution. He served as Prime Minister from 1 January 1901 until 23 September 1903, and then resigned to become the senior puisne judge of the newly-established High Court of Australia.

From the description of Papers of Sir Edmund Barton [manuscript]. 1827-1940. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225632793

From the description of Papers of Sir Edmund Barton, 1827-1940 [microform]. 1827-1940. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225642094

William Barton came to Australia in 1827 as the first resident secretary and accountant of the Australian Agricultural Company. He resigned c.1832 and became an estate agent and Sydney's first stockbroker. He son William represented the firm of Sheppard and Alger at Major's Creek, N.S.W., a gold mining centre. Another son Sir Edmund Barton, 1849-1920, a barrister, served in the Legislative Assembly 1879, 1880-1887, 1891-1894, 1898-1899 and the Legislative Council 1887-1891, 1897-1898. During the 1890's he devoted himself to the cause of federation and on 31 Dec. 1900 became Australia's first Prime Minister. In Sep. 1903 he became a judge of the High Court of Australia.

From the description of Papers [manuscript]. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225766258