11 Facts About James Farnell

James Squire Farnell was an Australian politician and Premier of New South Wales.

In 1860, James Farnell won the by-election for the Legislative Assembly seat of St Leonards, but was defeated at the next election for the seat of Central Cumberland.

James Farnell was returned at Parramatta in 1864 and held the seat for 10 years.

James Farnell became Secretary for Lands in the first Parkes ministry from May 1872 to February 1875, and for a short period was Secretary for Mines.

James Farnell was defeated for 1874 election for Parramatta, but was returned to parliament election for St Leonards held 11 days later, serving until 1882.

From December 1876 until October 1877, James Farnell was the chairman of committees, but towards the end of that year he organised a "Third Party", in November carried an amendment to the address in reply by two votes, and the Robertson ministry resigned.

James Farnell succeeded in forming a ministry and on 18 December 1877 and took office as the first Australian-born Premier, choosing the portfolio of Secretary for Lands.

James Farnell resigned and was succeeded by the third Parkes ministry.

James Farnell was unsuccessful in his candidacy for Parramatta at the 1882 election, but was returned to parliament at the election for New England held 2 weeks later.

James Farnell's wife survived him with 11 children, one of whom, Frank Farnell, was a member of the Legislative Assembly for Central Cumberland at the time of his father's death and later Ryde.

James Farnell was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales, installed on 3 December 1877.