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{{short description|Australian businessman}}
{{redirects|James Smith Reid|the English Classics scholar (1846-1926) and author|James Smith Reid (author)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{redirects|James Smith Reid|the English Classics scholar (1846-1926) and author|James Smith Reid (author)}}


'''James Smith Reid''' (c. 1848 – 15 January 1922) generally referred to as "J. S. Reid" and familiarly as "Smith", was an Australian newspaper owner, editor and businessman.
'''James Smith Reid''' (c. 1848 – 15 January 1922) generally referred to as "J. S. Reid" and familiarly as "Smith", was an Australian newspaper owner, editor and businessman.


==History==
==History==
Reid was born in [[County Donegal]], Ireland<ref name=guide/> to Rev. James Reid MA (c. 1814 – 2 May 1866) and his wife Eliza Reid, née Smith (c. 1823 – 6 August 1900). Rev. Reid was a graduate of Glasgow University, a man of moderate means who fell on hard times.
Reid was born in [[County Donegal]], Ireland<ref name=guide/> to Rev. James Reid MA (c. 1814 – 2 May 1866) and his wife Eliza Reid, née Smith (c. 1823 – 6 August 1900). Rev. Reid was a graduate of [[Glasgow University]], a man of moderate means who fell on hard times.


:Reid and his sister and two brothers arrived in Queensland with their parents aboard the barque ''Rockhampton'' in October 1863, his parents settling in [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]], where his father was appointed their first Presbyterian minister,<ref name=Douglas>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196461399 |title=Douglas Reid |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=28, |issue=2372 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=24 September 1932 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and the first minister of religion to settle in the town. He died of dysentery just three years later.
Reid and his sister and two brothers arrived in Queensland with their parents aboard the barque ''Rockhampton'' in October 1863, his parents settling in [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]], where his father was appointed their first Presbyterian minister,<ref name=Douglas>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196461399 |title=Douglas Reid |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=28 |issue=2372 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=24 September 1932 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and the first minister of religion to settle in the town. He died of dysentery just three years later.
:Rev. James Reid and Eliza Reid's children were:<ref>It is likely their first child, name not known, died in infancy. This would account for J. S. Reid and John Reid occasionally being named as 2nd and 3rd sons.</ref>
:*(James) Smith Reid (c. 1848 – )
:*Marjorie Reid (c. 1850 – ) married one Johnstone.<ref name=Douglas/> Barely mentioned in W.D.R.'s memoir.<ref>In the memoir named "Mary", though this could be misreading of "Marj". She was the only daughter.</ref>
:*John Reid (c. 1852 – ), married Mary Louisa Fanny Clements of Rockhampton on 1 August 1879. Not mentioned in W.D.R.'s memoir.
:*(William) Douglas Reid (c. 1853 – 9 September 1932) partner with Smith in most of his newspaper ventures; chairman of directors, BHP and Mount Lyall Mining Company. He died at [[Balcombe]], Sussex.
:*George MacFarlane Reid (c. 1855 – 21 November 1919) married Gertrude Macquisten in Scotland in 1891;<ref name=fifty/> he farmed at Reid's Garden on the [[Don River (North Queensland)|Don River]] with his mother, traded in horses and cattle, gold miner, invested in BHP shares, retired wealthy to [[Prestwick]], Scotland.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192393002 |title=Obituary |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=18, |issue=1148 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=20 March 1920 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


Rev. James Reid and Eliza Reid's children were:<ref>It is likely their first child, name not known, died in infancy. This would account for J. S. Reid and John Reid occasionally being named as 2nd and 3rd sons.</ref>
He served an apprenticeship as printer with F. T. Rayner of the ''[[Port Denison Times]]'' and began his journalistic career in October 1870 founding the ''[[Ravenswood Miner]]'' of [[Ravenswood, Queensland]], site of North Queensland's first significant gold strike. The next venture was a newspaper in [[Gympie, Queensland|Gympie]], then the ''[[Northern Miner]]'' in [[Millchester, Queensland|Millchester]], close to [[Charters Towers, Queensland|Charters Towers]]. Other NQ strikes were at the Gilbert River, Etheridge, the Palmer River and the Hodgkinson, all within the space of eight years. Their third newspaper was the ''[[Cooktown Courier]]'' at [[Cooktown, Queensland|Cooktown]], where one of their staff was [[Henry Edward King|H. E. King]]. From Cooktown they went to the Hodgkinson field, founding the ''[[Hodgkinson Mining News]]'' which proved a disappointment.
*(James) Smith Reid (c. 1848 – )
*Marjorie Reid (c. 1850 – ) married one Johnstone.<ref name=Douglas/> Barely mentioned in W.D.R.'s memoir.<ref>In the memoir named "Mary", though this could be misreading of "Marj". She was the only daughter.</ref>
*John Reid (c. 1852 – ), married Mary Louisa Fanny Clements of Rockhampton on 1 August 1879. Not mentioned in W.D.R.'s memoir.
*(William) Douglas Reid (c. 1853 – 9 September 1932) partner with Smith in most of his newspaper ventures; chairman of directors, BHP and Mount Lyall Mining Company. He died at [[Balcombe]], Sussex.
*George MacFarlane Reid (c. 1855 – 21 November 1919) married Gertrude Macquisten in Scotland in 1891;<ref name=fifty/> he farmed at Reid's Garden on the [[Don River (North Queensland)|Don River]] with his mother, traded in horses and cattle, gold miner, invested in BHP shares, retired wealthy to [[Prestwick]], Scotland.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192393002 |title=Obituary |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=18 |issue=1148 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=20 March 1920 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


He served an apprenticeship as printer with F. T. Rayner of the ''[[Port Denison Times]]'' and began his journalistic career in October 1870 founding the ''[[Ravenswood Miner]]'' of [[Ravenswood, Queensland]], site of North Queensland's first significant gold strike. The next venture was a newspaper in [[Gympie, Queensland|Gympie]], then ''[[The Northern Miner (Queensland)|The Northern Miner]]'' in [[Millchester, Queensland|Millchester]], close to [[Charters Towers, Queensland|Charters Towers]]. Other NQ strikes were at the Gilbert River, Etheridge, the Palmer River and the Hodgkinson, all within the space of eight years. Their third newspaper was the ''[[Cooktown Courier]]'' at [[Cooktown, Queensland|Cooktown]], where one of their staff was [[Henry Edward King|H. E. King]]. From Cooktown they went to the Hodgkinson field, founding the ''[[Hodgkinson Mining News]]'' which proved a disappointment.
In December 1880, making a break from goldfields, Reid founded the ''[[Western Grazier]]'' in [[Wilcannia, New South Wales|Wilcannia]] then the bi-weekly ''[[Silver Age]]'' in [[Silverton, New South Wales|Silverton]], shortly moving it to [[Broken Hill, New South Wales|Broken Hill]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204775898 |title=From My Diary, 1889. |newspaper=[[The Swan Express]] |volume=V, |issue=44 |location=Western Australia |date=30 September 1905 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> His press printed the first prospectus for the original [[Broken Hill Proprietary]] promoted by the "14 syndicate", and he is reputed to have had a hand in its authorship.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4714737 |title=Death of Mr. J. S. Reid |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=23,542 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 January 1922 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Several brothers were involved with him in these enterprises, and became quite wealthy.<ref name=fifty>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201979235 |title=Fifty Years Ago |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=38, |issue=3908 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=24 October 1941 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He sold the ''Silver Age'' to E. Govett and W. J. P. Giddings


In December 1880, making a break from goldfields, Reid founded the ''[[Western Grazier]]'' in [[Wilcannia, New South Wales|Wilcannia]] then the bi-weekly ''Silver Age'' in [[Silverton, New South Wales|Silverton]], shortly moving it to [[Broken Hill, New South Wales|Broken Hill]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204775898 |title=From My Diary, 1889. |newspaper=[[The Swan Express]] |volume=V |issue=44 |location=Western Australia |date=30 September 1905 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> His press printed the first prospectus for the original [[Broken Hill Proprietary]] promoted by the "14 syndicate", and he is reputed to have had a hand in its authorship.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4714737 |title=Death of Mr. J. S. Reid |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)|The Argus]] |issue=23,542 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 January 1922 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Several brothers were involved with him in these enterprises, and became quite wealthy.<ref name=fifty>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201979235 |title=Fifty Years Ago |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=38 |issue=3908 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=24 October 1941 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He sold the ''Silver Age'' to E. Govett and W. J. P. Giddings
Reid was elected to Broken Hill Proprietary's board of directors in 1888, was involved in its splitting into the Block 10, Block 14 and British companies, resigned 1889.

Reid was elected to Broken Hill Proprietary's board of directors in 1888, was involved in its splitting into the Block 10, Block 14 and British companies, resigned 1889.


He was instrumental in floating the [[Silverton Tramway Company]] in 1886. This was the first of many privately owned and run railway projects in which he had a major interest:
He was instrumental in floating the [[Silverton Tramway Company]] in 1886. This was the first of many privately owned and run railway projects in which he had a major interest:
*[[Tarrawingee Flux and Tramway Company]] 1891 (which required an Act of Parliament)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/1890-tar.pdf|title=Tarrawingee Tramway Act of 1890|publisher=NSW State Government|accessdate=6 March 2017}}</ref> to carry high grade limestone to "The Barrier" for smelting purposes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44068277 |title=Tarrawingee Flux |newspaper=[[Barrier Miner]] |volume=4, |issue=1004 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 June 1891 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
*[[Tarrawingee Flux and Tramway Company]] 1891 (which required an Act of Parliament)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/acts/1890-tar.pdf|title=Tarrawingee Tramway Act of 1890|publisher=NSW State Government|accessdate=6 March 2017}}</ref> to carry high grade limestone to "The Barrier" for smelting purposes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44068277 |title=Tarrawingee Flux |newspaper=[[Barrier Miner]] |volume=4 |issue=1004 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 June 1891 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
*[[Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company]], which built a line from the [[Mount Lyell (Tasmania)|Mount Lyell]] mines to [[Waratah, Tasmania|Waratah]] in 1893.
*[[Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company]], which built a line from the [[Mount Lyell (Tasmania)|Mount Lyell]] mines to [[Waratah, Tasmania|Waratah]] in 1893.
*[[Emu Bay Railway]] Company in Tasmania from 1897.
*[[Emu Bay Railway]] Company in Tasmania from 1897.
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After the [[Mount Mulligan mine disaster]], he retired from business, and died shortly after.
After the [[Mount Mulligan mine disaster]], he retired from business, and died shortly after.


Reid's parents were buried in Bowen cemetery, their grave marked by a monument of [[Aberdeen granite]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193106226 |title=Presbyterian Church |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=33, |issue=3025 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=19 August 1936 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} This article gives J. S. Reid's death as on 12 April 1866</ref>
Reid's parents were buried in Bowen cemetery, their grave marked by a monument of [[Aberdeen granite]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193106226 |title=Presbyterian Church |newspaper=[[Bowen Independent]] |volume=33 |issue=3025 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=19 August 1936 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} This article gives J. S. Reid's death as on 12 April 1866</ref>


==="Rostrevor", Magill, South Australia===
==="Rostrevor", Magill, South Australia===
[[File:"Rostrevor", home of J. S. Reid at Woodforde.jpg|thumb|"Rostrevor", home of J. S. Reid at Woodforde]]
[[File:"Rostrevor", home of J. S. Reid at Woodforde.jpg|thumb|"Rostrevor" (original unrelated owner [[Ross T. Reid]]), home of J. S. Reid at Woodforde]]

[[Ross Thompson Reid]] (2 February 1832 – 10 January 1915), born in Newry, Ireland arrived in South Australia with his father John Reid in 1839. He was a successful pastoralist, owner of Tolarno and Tarcoon stations on the River Darling and built a mansion in Magill, South Australia which he named "Rostrevor" after a seaside resort in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/pn/r/r5.htm#rostrevor|title=Manning Index of South Australian Placenames: Rostrevor|publisher=State Library of South Australia|accessdate=5 March 2017}}</ref>
[[Ross Thompson Reid]] (2 February 1832 – 10 January 1915), born in Newry, Ireland arrived in South Australia with his father John Reid in 1839. He was a successful pastoralist, owner of Tolarno and Tarcoon stations on the River Darling and built a mansion in Magill, South Australia which he named "Rostrevor" after a seaside resort in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/pn/r/r5.htm#rostrevor|title=Manning Index of South Australian Placenames: Rostrevor|publisher=State Library of South Australia|accessdate=5 March 2017}}</ref>


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In 1913 Smith Reid donated {{convert|300|acres|ha}}, mostly consisting of the gorge and waterfalls, to the South Australian Government, and the Government purchased from him another {{convert|225|acres|ha}} adjoining, and built access roads and an extension of the Magill tramway.
In 1913 Smith Reid donated {{convert|300|acres|ha}}, mostly consisting of the gorge and waterfalls, to the South Australian Government, and the Government purchased from him another {{convert|225|acres|ha}} adjoining, and built access roads and an extension of the Magill tramway.
A company "Rostrevor Estate Limited" was formed the same year to purchase from Reid another {{convert|633|acres|ha}} for subdivision for housing, parks and gardens.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5387885 |title=General News |newspaper=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)]] |volume=LV, |issue=16,989 |location=South Australia |date=29 March 1913 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
A company "Rostrevor Estate Limited" was formed the same year to purchase from Reid another {{convert|633|acres|ha}} for subdivision for housing, parks and gardens.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5387885 |title=General News |newspaper=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser]] |volume=LV |issue=16,989 |location=Adelaide, South Australia |date=29 March 1913 |accessdate=5 March 2017 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


The house still stands, as centrepiece of [[Rostrevor College]].
The house still stands, as centrepiece of [[Rostrevor College]].
Line 46: Line 51:


==Family==
==Family==
[[File:Rupert Bunny, 1913 - Portrait of Miss Hilary Mackinnon.jpg|thumb|1913 portrait of Miss Hilary Mackinnon by [[Rupert Bunny]]]]

Reid married Martha Trumbull Ward ( – 31 March 1940) in Sandhurst (now [[Bendigo]], Victoria) on 14 February 1883. She was the eldest daughter of Robert Trumbull Ward of Sandhurst and sister of the architect J. V. S. Ward.
Reid married Martha Trumbull Ward ( – 31 March 1940) in Sandhurst (now [[Bendigo]], Victoria) on 14 February 1883. She was the eldest daughter of Robert Trumbull Ward of Sandhurst and sister of the architect J. V. S. Ward.
*May Smith Reid (12 June 1887 – ) was born at "Woorigoleen", Toorak Victoria, married Gustave Leon Oscar Dewez ( – ) on 12 September 1911
*May Smith Reid (12 June 1887 – ) was born at "Woorigoleen", Toorak Victoria, married Gustave Leon Oscar Dewez ( – ) on 12 September 1911
*Margery Smith Reid (1888 – ) born in South Australia, with whom J. S. Reid corresponded.<ref name=guide>{{cite web|url=https://web.esrc.unimelb.edu.au/NQAR/biogs/E000791b.htm|title=Guide to Sources for North Queensland History: REID, James Smith|publisher=Melbourne University|accessdate=6 March 2017}}</ref>
*Margery Smith Reid (1888 – ) born in South Australia, with whom J. S. Reid corresponded.<ref name=guide>{{cite web|url=https://web.esrc.unimelb.edu.au/NQAR/biogs/E000791b.htm|title=Guide to Sources for North Queensland History: REID, James Smith|publisher=Melbourne University|accessdate=6 March 2017}}</ref>
*Julia Smith Reid (1889 – 1959) born in South Australia, married Dr. John William Grice ( – ) on 3 December 1919. He was the second son of Sir [[John Grice]]
*Julia Smith Reid (1889–1959) born in South Australia, married Dr. John William Grice ( – ) on 3 December 1919. He was the second son of Sir [[John Grice]]
*Mary Smith Reid (1891 – ) born in South Australia
*Mary Smith Reid (1891 – ) born in South Australia
*youngest daughter Harriet Smith "Sonsie" Reid ( – 30 November 1924) never married.
*Youngest daughter Harriet Smith "Sonsie" Reid ( – 30 November 1924) never married.
*only son James Smith Reid (1 August 1900 – ) born at [[Sorrento, Victoria]], married Hilary Kinross Mackinnon on 21 April 1920
*Only son James Smith Reid (1 August 1900 – ) born at [[Sorrento, Victoria]], married [[Hilary Kinross Mackinnon]] on 21 April 1920
They had homes "Rostrevor", Magill, and "Duneira", Upper Macedon / Mount Macedon
They had homes "Rostrevor", Magill, and "Duneira", Upper Macedon / Mount Macedon


==Source==
==Further reading==
{{cite book|author=Peter L. Moore|title=Pride of the Hills: The story of Rostrevor House|publisher=Linton Publications, Blackwood SA |year=1975|isbn=0869462008}}.
{{cite web|url=https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/data/UQ_241814/Lectures_on_NQ_History_S4_CH1.pdf?Expires=1488805523&Signature=WIASefWNsRKznvAVTLria7rwIkKAtor5iOxnHdjDDMx6c9orYIFm00xOqq1n4R6KFNAygL0a76i1886qs8VOZTV~7r6pFL8X6nebIKnKUcv06QrSrhmYP~A9hMcNuYPUL0-RtrE0TzWcfyfoKVMexgcCvIEAoJWrXWoNCZ35UiUQi8Hq7jJdI58gGZ80Ve27XXnIsS2WJ8wDpcFesgNqZ5F-bpuJ9ArB2I44jLpSnOXC2XWmezdlPNaOyC8qN2Y1pEMLdfBDVCdb7OPN9o399uGR1h0mYvfcm6NVsdRn-1E2pyn-Hhe0ox55B1Q7AmfLcA4~P7n292n4IA-F~apEEA__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJKNBJ4MJBJNC6NLQ|title=Lectures on NQ History: Sons of the Manse; A memoir of the Reid brothers of North Queensland|author=William Douglas Reid|accessdate=5 March 2017}}


== References ==
== References ==
Peter Moore, Pride of the Hills: The story of Rostrevor House, Blackwood SA 1975.{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reid, James Smith}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Reid, James Smith}}
[[Category:1849 births]]
[[Category:1840s births]]
[[Category:1922 deaths]]
[[Category:1922 deaths]]
[[Category:Australian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Australian newspaper proprietors]]
[[Category:Australian newspaper proprietors]]
[[Category:Colony of Queensland people]]
[[Category:Australian mining entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Australian mining entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Silverton Tramway]]
[[Category:Silverton Tramway]]
[[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]]

Revision as of 03:25, 31 October 2023

James Smith Reid (c. 1848 – 15 January 1922) generally referred to as "J. S. Reid" and familiarly as "Smith", was an Australian newspaper owner, editor and businessman.

History

Reid was born in County Donegal, Ireland[1] to Rev. James Reid MA (c. 1814 – 2 May 1866) and his wife Eliza Reid, née Smith (c. 1823 – 6 August 1900). Rev. Reid was a graduate of Glasgow University, a man of moderate means who fell on hard times.

Reid and his sister and two brothers arrived in Queensland with their parents aboard the barque Rockhampton in October 1863, his parents settling in Bowen, where his father was appointed their first Presbyterian minister,[2] and the first minister of religion to settle in the town. He died of dysentery just three years later.

Rev. James Reid and Eliza Reid's children were:[3]

  • (James) Smith Reid (c. 1848 – )
  • Marjorie Reid (c. 1850 – ) married one Johnstone.[2] Barely mentioned in W.D.R.'s memoir.[4]
  • John Reid (c. 1852 – ), married Mary Louisa Fanny Clements of Rockhampton on 1 August 1879. Not mentioned in W.D.R.'s memoir.
  • (William) Douglas Reid (c. 1853 – 9 September 1932) partner with Smith in most of his newspaper ventures; chairman of directors, BHP and Mount Lyall Mining Company. He died at Balcombe, Sussex.
  • George MacFarlane Reid (c. 1855 – 21 November 1919) married Gertrude Macquisten in Scotland in 1891;[5] he farmed at Reid's Garden on the Don River with his mother, traded in horses and cattle, gold miner, invested in BHP shares, retired wealthy to Prestwick, Scotland.[6]

He served an apprenticeship as printer with F. T. Rayner of the Port Denison Times and began his journalistic career in October 1870 founding the Ravenswood Miner of Ravenswood, Queensland, site of North Queensland's first significant gold strike. The next venture was a newspaper in Gympie, then The Northern Miner in Millchester, close to Charters Towers. Other NQ strikes were at the Gilbert River, Etheridge, the Palmer River and the Hodgkinson, all within the space of eight years. Their third newspaper was the Cooktown Courier at Cooktown, where one of their staff was H. E. King. From Cooktown they went to the Hodgkinson field, founding the Hodgkinson Mining News which proved a disappointment.

In December 1880, making a break from goldfields, Reid founded the Western Grazier in Wilcannia then the bi-weekly Silver Age in Silverton, shortly moving it to Broken Hill.[7] His press printed the first prospectus for the original Broken Hill Proprietary promoted by the "14 syndicate", and he is reputed to have had a hand in its authorship.[8] Several brothers were involved with him in these enterprises, and became quite wealthy.[5] He sold the Silver Age to E. Govett and W. J. P. Giddings

Reid was elected to Broken Hill Proprietary's board of directors in 1888, was involved in its splitting into the Block 10, Block 14 and British companies, resigned 1889.

He was instrumental in floating the Silverton Tramway Company in 1886. This was the first of many privately owned and run railway projects in which he had a major interest:

After the Mount Mulligan mine disaster, he retired from business, and died shortly after.

Reid's parents were buried in Bowen cemetery, their grave marked by a monument of Aberdeen granite.[11]

"Rostrevor", Magill, South Australia

"Rostrevor" (original unrelated owner Ross T. Reid), home of J. S. Reid at Woodforde

Ross Thompson Reid (2 February 1832 – 10 January 1915), born in Newry, Ireland arrived in South Australia with his father John Reid in 1839. He was a successful pastoralist, owner of Tolarno and Tarcoon stations on the River Darling and built a mansion in Magill, South Australia which he named "Rostrevor" after a seaside resort in Ireland.[12]

Some time around 1887 to 1889 ownership of Rostrevor passed from Ross T Reid to J. Smith Reid. No known family relationship. Smith Reid extensively renovated the house to resemble closely "Romdal" in Toorak, Victoria.[13]

In 1913 Smith Reid donated 300 acres (120 ha), mostly consisting of the gorge and waterfalls, to the South Australian Government, and the Government purchased from him another 225 acres (91 ha) adjoining, and built access roads and an extension of the Magill tramway. A company "Rostrevor Estate Limited" was formed the same year to purchase from Reid another 633 acres (256 ha) for subdivision for housing, parks and gardens.[14]

The house still stands, as centrepiece of Rostrevor College.

"Duneira", Mount Macedon, Victoria

"Duneira" was the property of Suetonius Henry Officer and his widow, then purchased by Edward Drewett Dyer (c. 1836 – 10 December 1889). Reid purchased the property around 1899 and had large sweeping lawns planted, watered by a spring.

Reid died there, and his widow, daughter Margery Smith Reid and son James Smith Reid (1900– ) continued to live at "Duneira". The house and land of 38 acres (15 ha) were sold by auction in December 1940.

Family

1913 portrait of Miss Hilary Mackinnon by Rupert Bunny

Reid married Martha Trumbull Ward ( – 31 March 1940) in Sandhurst (now Bendigo, Victoria) on 14 February 1883. She was the eldest daughter of Robert Trumbull Ward of Sandhurst and sister of the architect J. V. S. Ward.

  • May Smith Reid (12 June 1887 – ) was born at "Woorigoleen", Toorak Victoria, married Gustave Leon Oscar Dewez ( – ) on 12 September 1911
  • Margery Smith Reid (1888 – ) born in South Australia, with whom J. S. Reid corresponded.[1]
  • Julia Smith Reid (1889–1959) born in South Australia, married Dr. John William Grice ( – ) on 3 December 1919. He was the second son of Sir John Grice
  • Mary Smith Reid (1891 – ) born in South Australia
  • Youngest daughter Harriet Smith "Sonsie" Reid ( – 30 November 1924) never married.
  • Only son James Smith Reid (1 August 1900 – ) born at Sorrento, Victoria, married Hilary Kinross Mackinnon on 21 April 1920

They had homes "Rostrevor", Magill, and "Duneira", Upper Macedon / Mount Macedon

Further reading

Peter L. Moore (1975). Pride of the Hills: The story of Rostrevor House. Linton Publications, Blackwood SA. ISBN 0869462008..

References

Peter Moore, Pride of the Hills: The story of Rostrevor House, Blackwood SA 1975.

  1. ^ a b "Guide to Sources for North Queensland History: REID, James Smith". Melbourne University. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Douglas Reid". Bowen Independent. Vol. 28, no. 2372. Queensland, Australia. 24 September 1932. p. 5. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ It is likely their first child, name not known, died in infancy. This would account for J. S. Reid and John Reid occasionally being named as 2nd and 3rd sons.
  4. ^ In the memoir named "Mary", though this could be misreading of "Marj". She was the only daughter.
  5. ^ a b "Fifty Years Ago". Bowen Independent. Vol. 38, no. 3908. Queensland, Australia. 24 October 1941. p. 6. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ "Obituary". Bowen Independent. Vol. 18, no. 1148. Queensland, Australia. 20 March 1920. p. 2. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ^ "From My Diary, 1889". The Swan Express. Vol. V, no. 44. Western Australia. 30 September 1905. p. 3. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ^ "Death of Mr. J. S. Reid". The Argus. No. 23, 542. Victoria, Australia. 17 January 1922. p. 6. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ "Tarrawingee Tramway Act of 1890" (PDF). NSW State Government. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  10. ^ "Tarrawingee Flux". Barrier Miner. Vol. 4, no. 1004. New South Wales, Australia. 8 June 1891. p. 2. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. ^ "Presbyterian Church". Bowen Independent. Vol. 33, no. 3025. Queensland, Australia. 19 August 1936. p. 2. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia. This article gives J. S. Reid's death as on 12 April 1866
  12. ^ "Manning Index of South Australian Placenames: Rostrevor". State Library of South Australia. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  13. ^ "Romsdal Residence [B 29750] Photograph". State Library of South Australia. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  14. ^ "General News". The Advertiser. Vol. LV, no. 16, 989. Adelaide, South Australia. 29 March 1913. p. 18. Retrieved 5 March 2017 – via National Library of Australia.