Biography of Sir James Wilson Agnew

James Wilson Agnew graduated MD from the University in 1839, after having gained Membership of Royal College of Surgeons from London in 1838.

Agnew emigrated to Sydney, Australia, but it was in Tasmania where Agnew would settle and have a successful career as a physician and popular politician. From his first appointment in 1841 as assistant surgeon to the agricultural establishment, Agnew continued to practice in Holbart, Tasmania, until 1877, when he was appointed to the Legislative Council. From 8 March 1886 and 29 March 1887, Agnew held the office of Premier and Chief Secretary of Tasmania. He resigned from politics thereafter, but continued his memberships on various boards, such as the Council of Higher Education and in 1890 the Council of the University of Tasmania. An active member of the Tasmanian Society (the Royal Society of Tasmania), Agnew was the first chairman of the board of management of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and chairman of the trustees of the Hobart Public Library until 1901. He was also president of the Tasmanian Racing Club and father of the Tasmanian Club.

In 1894 he received a Knighthood for his services to Tasmania.

Sources

Archival Materials

• Addison, W. Innes, A Roll of the Graduates of the University of Glasgow from 31st December, 1727 to 31st Decmeber, 1897, with short biographical notes, Glasgow : J. MacLehose & Sons
• Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 3, (MUP), 1969
• Australian Medical Pioneers Index

Summary

Sir James Wilson Agnew
Born 2 October 1815.
Died 8 November 1901.
GU Degree: MD, 1839;
University Link: Alumnus, Graduate
Occupation categories: physicians; politicians
View Additional Information
English snippet: Medical graduate of the University of Glasgow in 1839, Premier and Chief Secretary of Tasmania
Record last updated: 3rd Sep 2013

Country Associations

United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Ballyclare, County Antrim
Place of Birth

Australia, Tasmania, Hobart
Place of Death

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus
• Graduate [View Sir James Wilson Agnew's record in the list of graduates]

Images

Sir James Wilson Agnew