Barton, Sir Edmund, 1849 – 1920

Biographical notes

Edmund Barton (1849-1920), barrister, parliamentarian and Prime Minister, was born at Sydney, the third son and youngest of nine children of William and Mary Louisa Barton. He was educated at Fort Street Model School, Sydney Grammar School and the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Arts (1868) and Master of Arts (1870). He was admitted as a barrister in 1871.

Edmund Barton was elected member of the NSW Legislative Assembly in the seats of University of Sydney (1879), Wellington (1880-1882), East Sydney (1882-1887, 1891-1894), The Hastings and The Macleay (1898-1900). He was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Council from 1887 to 1891 and from 1897-1898. Barton was Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (1883-1887) and Attorney General (1889, 1891-1893).

After many years of involvement with the federation movement Edmund Barton was elected a member of the House of Representatives in the first Australian Parliament and the first Prime Minister of Australia.

Papers

Political service

Electorates

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