James McCulloch

Sir James McCulloch (1819 - 31 January, 1893), Australian colonial politician, was the 5th Premier of Victoria. McCulloch was born in Glasgow. He had only a primary education and as a young man worked in shops, becoming eventually becoming a junior partner in a softgoods firm. In 1853 he arrived in Melbourne to start a branch of his firm, which later became McCulloch, Sellar and Co. In the boom conditions following the Gold Rush, he soon became a wealthy man and a director of several banks and other companies. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1856-57 and 1862-63.

Related Topics:
1819 - 31 January - 1893 - Australian - Premier of Victoria - Glasgow - 1853 - Melbourne - Gold Rush - 1856 - 57 - 1862 - 63

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McCulloch was appointed a member of the Legislative Council in September 1854. When Victoria gained responsible government in 1856, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly for Wimmera, which he represented until 1859, when he shifted to East Melbourne. He later represented Mornington and Warrnambool.

Related Topics:
Legislative Council - 1854 - Victoria - Responsible government - 1856 - Legislative Assembly - Wimmera - 1859 - East Melbourne - Mornington - Warrnambool

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The historian Raymond Wright describes McCulloch as a "cautious liberal." He served as Commissioner for Trade and Customs 1857-58 under William Haines and as Treasurer 1859-60 under William Nicholson. When John O'Shanassy's conservative government resigned in June 1863 McCulloch became Premier and Chief Secretary for the first time. He was also Postmaster-General 1864-68.

Related Topics:
Raymond Wright - 1857 - 58 - William Haines - 1859 - 60 - William Nicholson - John O'Shanassy - 1863 - 1864 - 68

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