Jennings, Sir Patrick Alfred, 1831 – 1897

Sir Patrick Jennings (1831-1897), pastoralist, parliamentarian and Premier of NSW was born at Newry, County Down, Ireland, son of Francis and Mary Jennings. In 1852 he travelled to the Victorian goldfields where he was successful. In 1855 he went to New Bendigo where he opened a store and became involved in pastoral activities. Jennings acquired a rural property at Deniliquin, NSW with Martin Shanahan in 1862. The two men later acquired a number of additional rural properties including Westbrook on the Darling Downs where Jenning lived after 1885.

Jennings was elected a Member of the Legislative Assembly for The Murray, 1869 to 1872 and The Bogan from 1880 to 1887. He was an appointed Member of the Legislative Council from 1867 to 1870 and again from 1890 until his death in 1897. Jennings was Vice-president of the Executive Council in 1883, Colonial Secretary in 1885 and Premier and Colonial Treasurer from 1886 to 1887.

Jennings was appointed CMG in 1879, KCMG in 1880, Knight of St Gregory the Great in 1874 and Knight Commander of the Order of Pius IX in 1876. He was the first practising Roman Catholic Premier of NSW. [ref:Biographical register of the NSW parliament 1856-1901/Connolly]