Lot 474

Description

Centennial International Exhibition Melbourne, 1888, in silver (51mm) (C.1888/8), Melbourne Mint, edge inscribed, 'The Hon. James Buchanan M. L. C.'. Hairlines, some light scratches and an edge nick, otherwise good very fine.

James Buchanan was born in Scotland on 12 February 1827 and arrived at Port Phillip in Victoria in 1849. He started farming and in 1857 purchased the Ardblair property at Berwick growing wheat. He then extended his farming interests and won various agricultural society prizes. He was on the executive of the Royal Agricultural Society and by the 1870s was the owner of several houses and a large rural property at Berwick. He was an original member of the Berwick District Road Board, and later the Shire Council as well a magistrate at the first Police Court in the District and in 1876 was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the member for the Southern Province. He was also involved with other groups and was highly regarded for his charitable works and donations. He died on 11 September 1914.