John DEWAR (1852-1930)

JOHN DEWAR, J.P., agriculturist and grazier, "Birchmoor Lagoon," Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Dewar, of Victoria, formerly of the Highlands of Scotland, and was born at Edinburgh in 1853. He sailed for Australia with his parents in 1858 by the "British Trident," landing in Victoria, and settled at Portland, where he received his primary education, his studies being completed at Casterton, where the family subsequently engaged in pastoral pursuits. At sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, and after concluding his term of five years removed to Mount Gambier, South Australia, where he followed the calling of a journeyman with Mr. Samuel Barrett, of that town, for three years. The two succeeding years were spent at MacDonnell Bay, and, after a similar period in a subordinate position at Millicent, Mr. Dewar decided to start operations on his own behalf in that town.

Having established himself, he carried on successfully as a blacksmith for seven years, then, selling out to Oberlander & Lane, entered the agricultural and grazing industry, purchasing property in the neighbourhood of Millicent. Sixteen years later, having met with encouraging success, he sold his estate, and invested in township allotments, being at the present time owner of the property upon which the large store is situated, in which Mr. J. B. Mitchell carries on business at Millicent.

Retiring from active commercial pursuits, Mr. Dewar removed to Rokeby Avenue, Norwood, where he owns a fine residence, and lived privately for about twelve months. At the end of this time, reports of Kangaroo Island tempted him to take the trip across the water to acquaint himself with the character of the place. Although not favourably impressed in the first instance, eventually, when offered a property, consisting of sixty-seven square miles of pastoral lease country, he determined to test its value, and took over the lease. Later on he offered it to the Government, who accepted it, Mr. Dewar retaining, for a small consideration, an interest of about 7,500 acres. This country is situated in the Hundred of McGillivray, and the whole of it has since been taken up by settlers.

In addition to his portion, Mr. Dewar has lately purchased 900 acres of fine grazing land on the island, and by careful management has considerably enhanced the value of his property. He interests himself in all local matters, and is highly respected, having held a commission of Justice of the Peace for about ten years.

In 1877 he married Frances, second daughter of Mr. John Jenkins, of Port MacDonnell, and has a family of five sons and one daughter. Messrs. William J. and Albert G. Dewar assist their father in the working of his estates, and the remaining sons are engaged in commercial pursuits in Adelaide.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia, 1909, p. 1006