Peden, Sir John Beverley, 1871 – 1946

Sir John Beverley Peden (1871-1946), barrister, Professor of Law and parliamentarian, was born at Bega N.S.W., son of Magnus and Elizabeth Peden. He was educated at Sydney Grammar School and the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Arts (1892) and Bachelor of Laws (1898) having been awarded first-class honours and the University Medal in Law. He was admitted to the Sydney Bar practicing mainly in equity and probate. In 1902 he was appointed part-time Challis lecturer at the University of Sydney and Challis Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law in 1910.

Peden was nominated to the NSW Legislative Council in 1917 and was President of the Council from 1929 until his retirement in 1946. Peden was a close personal friend of poet and scholar Christopher Brennan. [ref:ADB 11]