Sir John William Downer, KCMG, KC (6 July 1843 – 2 August 1915) was an Australian politician who served two terms as Premier of South Australia, from 1885 to 1887 and again from 1892 to 1893. He later entered federal politics and served as a Senator for South Australia from 1901 to 1903. He was the first of four Australian politicians from the Downer family dynasty.

Early life

Born in Adelaide, John Downer (the son of Henry Downer who came to South Australia in 1838 and his wife Jane, née Field) was educated on a scholarship at St Peter's College, Adelaide, where he was a brilliant student. On 23 March 1867 he was admitted to the bar, and soon won a reputation as being among Adelaide's most talented and eloquent lawyers.

South Australian politician

Downer became a Queen's Counsel in 1878, the same year in which he was elected t…Read more on Wikipedia