James Patrick Garvan (1843 - 1896), by unknown photographer, courtesy of State Library of New South Wales. PX*D 624. .Image Details

GARVAN, JAMES PATRICK (1843-1896), insurance entrepreneur and politician, was born on 2 May 1843 at Cappagh, Limerick, Ireland, son of Denis Bourke Garvan, civil servant, and his wife Anne, née Culhane. In 1847 he migrated to Sydney with his family. Educated at John Armstrong's school in Redfern and Creagh's Elizabeth Street school, he won a scholarship to Sydney Grammar School in 1858 but left when his father died in 1860. Next year he became an assistant clerk in the survey department of the Sydney Municipal Council but was suspended on 29 December 1866 for absence without leave. He resigned on 7 November 1867, remarking, 'it was through taking part in political contests and supporting the losing side'; later he received £21 in damages. He then roved eastern ...

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Source:

Australian Dictionary of Biography