About JW 1 | castine

CASTINE Lnt Colonel John William INFORMATION

Born: 27 May 1846, Plymouth, Devon, England

Migrated: 1862 to South Australia in the cargo barque AMICUS

Settled: at Auburn, South Australia

Worked: as storekeeper and stock, land valuer for Castine & Goss

Married: 16 Dec 1868, 1st wife Nannie BARKLA at St Johns, Auburn, South Australia

Children: 1869 to 1878 - 4 sons, 1 daughter

1st wife: died 1909 at Auburn, South Australia, buried Auburn cemetery

Married: 27 Mar 1913, 2nd wife, widowed sister-in-law Maria BARKLA (nee Lord)

2nd wife: died 1926 in Adelaide, buried Christ Church cemetery, Kapunda (alongside 1st husband)

Died: 13 Jun 1939 at Royston Park, South Australia, buried Auburn cemetery

Death of the Colonel’s sister in London. - On 28th August 1878, from burns received as result of a fire in the Junior United Services Club, St James, London. Mary was 37 years old.

John William Castine was Minister for Education from 12 May 1893 to 16 June 1893.

Castine was a member of the SA House of Assembly 1884-1902.

The Australian War Memorial has Lieutenant J W Castine's sword. (to be confirmed)

Title: British Pattern 1827 Officer's Sword and Scabbard :

Lieutenant J W Castine, South Australian Rifle Volunteer Force

The Colonel was an accomplished artist and has left many original portraits and paintings that still hang in various family homes today.

Northern Argus Fri 30-3-1906 Results of prizes at Northern Agricultural Society show

HORNED CATTLE. Ayreshire bull, E.W. Castine; Shorthorn bull, E.W.Castine

PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS. Freehand drawing, J. W. Castine, Miss Castine; original painting in oils, , J. W. Castine, Miss S. B. Castine; etching in black and white, Miss Castine, 1 and 2.

Kapunda Herald Friday 4th April 1913

Col. Castine's Farewell Auburn, 30 March 1913

A farewell social was tendered Colonel Castine in the Institute hall on Tuesday evening. He came to the town as a boy about 50 years ago and has been identified with the district practically ever since. For some years he resided at Riverton. He represented the old electorate of Wooroora for 18 years, and served as Minister of Education in the Downer Government. He has been closely identified with all the public institutions of the town, and it was largely owing to his energy that the Northern Agricultural Society was resuscitated some years ago. Sir John Duncan presided over a large and representative gathering. Sir John Downer, on behalf of the public, presented Col. Castine with an address and a case of cutlery. The address was read by the Rev. C. F. Hall who presented Miss Castine with a dressing case and a lady's companion, and spoke on behalf of St. John's Church. Other speakers were Mr. O. H. Duhst, M.P., Dr. J. W. Yeatman (magistracy), Messrs. E. H. R. Scholtz (rifle club), J. V. Lees (institute), S. Dennison (Northern Agricultural Society), and A. Robinson (ex-chairman of the Upper Wakefield District Council). Mr. E. E. Sobels, on behalf of the Watervale Rifle Club, presented Colonel Castine with a silver inkstand. Colonel Castine, who was greatly affected, appropriately replied. Mr. E.W. Castine replied on behalf of Miss Castine. Musical items were provided by Misses M. L. Limbert, T. Thompson, and M. Dennison. Supper and a dance followed. The address was as follows :

On behalf of the residents of Auburn and district of Upper Wakefield, we, the undersigned, beg to assure you of the respect and esteem in which you are held by all members of the community, and to express our regret that you should be leaving Auburn. As a resident here since youth you have been so closely connected with every public movement as to become almost a part of the place itself. You have been most active as a lay reader and warden of St. John's Church, and as a member of the House of Assembly representing the electoral district of Wooroora for 18 years, during which you had the honour of holding for a time the office of Minister of Agriculture and Education in the Downer Government, you gained great political experience with which in later years you have loyally and generously aided the political party to which you belong. You have also held the position of magistrate since 1877, and as such you were honoured in 1909 by being made a special magistrate of the Commonwealth of Australia for the purpose of the Invalid and Old Age Pension Act. Having joined the military forces in 1879, you have risen by examination to the position of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1882 you represented South Australia at the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association at Wimbledon and elsewhere, where you gained distinction as a marksman, and your experience in that capacity has proved of great value to the local rifle club. You have been identified with the Northern Agricultural Society for more than 40 years, and during its long period of usefulness have taken a prominent part in maintaining its prestige. The Auburn Institute owes much to your practical help and support as secretary and president. In addition, you have assisted generally in every movement which has tended to the welfare and advancement of the community. In bidding you a public farewell we wish you all health and happiness.

Chronicle Saturday 29th March 1913

COLONEL CASTINE SOCIAL AT AUBURN After 50 years' residence in Auburn, Colonel Castine, one of the most prominent figures in that portion of the State, has decided to remove to the city, and on Tuesday evening he was tendered a farewell social by district residents in the local institute. There was a large and representative gathering. Sir John Duncan M.L.C. who presided, said he had been associated with their guest for many years; as far back indeed, as the time when he sought Parliamentary honours, and on that occasion he had in Colonel Castine one of his strongest supporters. A few years later they were candidates together, both were elected, and for six years they were colleagues in the Assembly, in which their guest had a scat for 18 years. His many qualifications were quickly recognised, and for a term he served in the Downer Government as Minister of Agriculture and Education. The reconstitution of the districts proved fatal to Colonel Castine's chances of re-election, though it must have been gratifying to him to know that his old constituency proved loyal. Their guest was a most valued resident of the district, and to many he was guide, philosopher and friend. He wished him every success and happiness in the future.

Had Left His Mark.

Mr. O. H. Duhst, M.P., said he had been associated with Colonel Castine for many years before he entered the House, and he found that their guest had left his mark on the legislation of the country. His departure from the district would be a distinct loss. The other speakers were Rev. O. F. Hall (Church of England), Dr. Yeatman (magistracy), Messrs. E. H. R. Scholtz (rifle club), J. D. Lees (institute), S. Dennison (Northern Agricultural Society), and A. Robertson (ex-chairman of the district council). Mr. Robertson said he had known their old friend ever since boyhood. He was a man among men. They were proud of their town and of the man who had made it, for Colonel Castine was practically the founder of Auburn. They were all agreed that Colonel Castine was a jolly good fellow, and nobody could deny it. Colonel Castine was then presented with an address, and a case of cutlery.

An Ideal Life.

Sir John Downer, who made the presentation, said it was touching to him to hear the story of a life well spent, as told by the various speakers that night. It must have been encouraging to them all, he was sure, because such a life, so far as he could judge it, was an ideal life, proving as it did, that honest energy, good intentions, industry, constant perseverance and some ambition, would produce results that would gain the esteem and affection of all the people with whom such a person was associated. Colonel Castine however, had been both a friend and an enemy to him— a political enemy of course, but that was a long time ago. He well remembered that on one occasion their friend solemnly castigated the Government which he had the honour to lead, in a speech of nine hours and 20 minutes duration. The following morning he (Sir John Downer) went home a sadder and a sleepier man. He could not help wondering however, what kind of a time a woman would have in such company. He did not mean that as a warning, though. Throughout his career he had always found Colonel Castine to be an absolute seeker after right, and he had great pleasure, therefore, in adding his tribute to what had already been said. He hoped Colonel Castine would long be spared to follow with equal directness and rectitude the honest course he had always endeavoured to take.

The Address.

The address, which was read by Mr. Hall, was, as follows:— On behalf of the residents of Auburn and district of Upper Wakefield, we, the undersigned, beg to assure you of the respect and esteem in which you are held by all members of the community and to express our regret that you will be leaving Auburn. As a resident here since youth you have been so closely connected with every public movement as to become almost a part of the place itself. You have been most active as a lay reader and warden of St. John’s Church, and as a member of the House of Assembly representing the electoral district of Wooroora for 18 years; during which you had the honour of holding for a time the office of Minister of Agriculture and Education in the Downer Government. You gained great political experience with which in later years you have loyally and generously aided the political party to which you belong. You have also held the position of magistrate since 1877, and as such you were honored in 1909 by being made a special magistrate of the Commonwealth of Australia for the purposes of the Invalid and Old Age Pension Act. Having joined the military forces in 1879, you have risen by examination to the position of Lieutenant-Colonel. In 1882 you represented South Australia at the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association at Wimbledon and elsewhere, where you gained distinction as a marksman and your experience in that capacity has proved of great value to the local rifle club. You have been identified with the Northern Agricultural Society for more than 40 years, and during it’s long period of usefulness have taken a prominent part in maintaining its prestige. The Auburn Institute owes much to your practical help and support as secretary and president. In addition, you have assisted generally in every movement which has tended to the welfare and advancement of the community. In bidding you a public farewell we wish you all health and happiness.

Rifle Club's Tribute.

Mr. A. E. Sobels, on behalf of the Watervale Rifle Club, also presented Colonel Castine with a silver inkstand, as a token of their esteem, and Mr. Hall, on behalf of the public, presented a ladies companion to Miss Castine, who, he said, had been just as thorough as her father in all her work for the advancement of the town. Colonel Castine, in reply, said he was very deeply touched indeed at the many expressions of kindness that had fallen from the lips of the several speakers that night. He had tried to live a good life and to do his duty. This had been his ambition ever since the time when, as a boy, he was stirred by the events of the Burke and Wills expedition, which passed through Auburn. He realised then that it was necessary sometimes to sacrifice one's life for one's country; and he had been prepared, if necessary, to do that. For the benefit of the younger people, he would impress upon them that if a man aspired to be a useful citizen of any town he must be prepared to live, like a citizen. He must identify himself with all the public movements, and take his share of the work. Out of this would come his due reward. He felt that all the pleasures of his 50 years work in the district were concentrated in the good wishes of his friends that night. Auburn had been kind to him, and, though he was leaving the district for a time, he could never forget it, and would always be ready to help in any movement for its advancement.

Chronicle 5-3-1923 World Trip

PERSONAL.

Colonel Castine left by the Moldavia on April 30 for England and America.

The following is a list of his party. Mr. E. W. Castine, Mr. J. W. Castine, Miss J. V. Castine, Miss M. A. Castine, Colonel J. W. Castine, Miss G. E. M. Castine.

ADELAIDEAN ABROAD. Impressions of Col. Castine.

Col. J .W. Castine, V.D., has returned to South Australia after, visits to his birthplace— Plymouth, England— and to Castine in -- Maine, United States of America. The town of Castine was founded by Baron de St. Castin. Col. Castine had unique experiences in his trip. He was accompanied by members of his family, including grandchildren. He first went to Plymouth. His few remaining relatives and many friends there were lavishly kind, and made much of the ‘boy’ who, over 60 years ago, left with the late Mr. W. D. Stone and four Blackwell boys for Australia, under the care of the late Sir Charles Goode. The Plymouth newspapers were not slow to get into touch with Col. Castine, and described what they termed 'a pleasing and romantic career of a Plymouth boy.' He went to the famous Hoe, where he had played cricket, hockey, and other games. His favourite pastime now is bowls, and with his eldest son he had many a good game on the green where Sir Francis Drake played bowls when the Spanish Armada was sighted. Photographs of Col. Castine [JW] and his son [EW Ern] and grandson [JW Jack] were taken in front of Drake's statue on the Hoe, and adjacent to the magnificent tower which is being erected in memory of the men of Plymouth who served in the Great War. The visitor inspected many of the haunts of his boyhood days, including the Plymouth Atheneaeum of Arts and Sciences, his old school, College House, Saltash, the parish church at Saltash, where as a chorister boy and Sunday school teacher he spent many happy days. Cornwall was traversed from Launceston (his father's birthplace) to Land's End, and 'cider, apple dumplings, pasties, and clotted cream were fully discussed. Col. Castine spent several months in London.

Reception at Castine. He speaks well of Australia House and its officials, and especially of Sir Edward Lucas, South Australian Agent-General. The wanderer and his family then went to Canada, and to Maine, U.S.A., where for a long time the residents of Auburn, Boston, Lewiston, and Castine had been on the lookout for them. For 10 days they were public guests. The people of Castine (the town founded by an ancestor, Baron Jean-Vincent de St. Castin), received them with open arms. The Governor (Mr. P. P. Baxter) entertained them at Government House. A book of poetry was written by a resident to record the visit. The Mayor, the Bishop, and clergy and the staff of The Lewiston Journal joined in an effort to make the visit a record, one. Col, Castine was the first of the Baron's descendants, to visit the town for over 225 years.

A Farewell Message. He was, he states, overwhelmed with kindness. The following telegram received at Vancouver on the eve of departure in the steamer Niagara speaks for itself: — 'The citizens of Castine express the great pleasure your Visit gave them. They hold you and your family in warm regards. Hope your next visit will be in summer, and long enough to enjoy all the beauties of the town both land and sea. Bon voyage.' Besides lecturing more than once in London and Devon, Col. Castine addressed 600 high school scholars at Auburn, U.S.A., and at the large Normal School in Sheffield, Yorkshire, he proclaimed his belief that Australia was the promised land of the English speaking people. The trip was one of continued enjoyment. 'When leaving Australia I was told,' Col- Castine concluded, 'that we should find the climate cold, and the people far colder. Our experiences were that the climate, even in Northern - America, was fairly warm (it was termed an Indian summer), and the people were, warm-hearted to the extreme’.

Lieut. Col. Castine Saturday 5th June 1926

The eightieth birthday of Lieut. Col. J. W. Castine, V.D., was the occasion of an interesting gathering on May 27. The members of the Castine family had privately arranged to meet at the colonel's house, Lambert road, Royston Park, to commemorate the event, and so well was the secret kept that until the dinner hour arrived he had not the faintest idea that the function was in progress. The dining room of his new home was decorated with flowers and festoons. Throughout the day telegrams, telephone messages, letters, and friendly calls were received. His eldest son, Mr. E. W. Castine was entrusted with the formal toast of 'Continued Health and Happiness for Many Years to Come’. The Colonel appeared to be quite overwhelmed by the many expressions of goodwill. Besides the guest, those present included Mr. and Mrs. E. W., Mr. and Mrs. O. H., and Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Castine (sons and their wives), Miss G. E. M Castine (daughter), Sister Lorna Castine (grand-daughter), Mr Dick Castine (grandson), who represented Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Castine of Pinkerton Park, Quorn, Miss Mary Warren (niece), and Mrs. Crittenden.

The Advertiser 14/6/1939

DEATH OF COL. J. W. CASTINE - M.P. FOR MANY YEARS

Notable Career Ends

An important part in the political, military and public life of South Australia was played by Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Castine. V.D., who died yesterday at his home at Lambert road, Royston Park, at the age of 93. Colonel Castine, who was of French descent, was born at Plymouth on May 27, 1846 and came to South Australia in 1862. For a period he was a general store keeper, and later he became a land valuator. Soon after his arrival in this State he settled at Auburn and in 1877 he re moved to Riverton, where he lived for many years, and took an active interest in movements for the welfare of the town and district. In 1884 he was elected to the Assembly for Wooroora the district in which he had lived for 20 years, and held the seat continuously for 18 years. For a brief period in 1893 he was Minister of Agriculture and Education in the second Downer Administration, and he was the last survivor of that Ministry. Speaking continuously for eight hours when the site of the Trades Hall was being considered by Parliament, Colonel Castine established what was probably a record in a Parliamentary debate. He lost his seat in the Assembly in 1900, when a re-arrangement of the district was made, and the district of Light added to Wooroora. He still retained his interest in politics, however and took a prominent part in the fusion of the three parties which formed the Liberal Union in 1909. Those parties were the Liberal and Democratic Union the National League, and the Farmers and Producers' Union. Colonel Castine for a long time was a member of the Botanic Garden and Savings Bank Boards. In 1909 he was made a Special Magistrate for the Commonwealth for the purposes of the Invalid and Old Age Pensions Act. He was a justice of the peace for South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria. He was a past president of the Justices Association and a member of its council for a long period. For many years he was an active and prominent Freemason. He was a lay reader in the Church of England for more than 60 years, and a member of the church synod for nearly as long. Colonel Castine possessed a fine military record, his service extending over 40 years. He rose from the ranks by examination. King George V, (when Duke of York), presented to him the Volunteer Officers' Decoration for long service in the volunteer army. Many years ago he was president of the Rifle Volunteer Force Council, and a member of the Select Committee on defence, and he served for five years on the headquarters staff as inspecting officer of all the rifle clubs in South Australia. In 1887 he and Brigadier-General Dean helped to establish the Commonwealth National Rifle Association. When the war broke out he offered his services in any capacity, and was appointed one of the first censors. He was also a sick pay officer. Colonel Castine, who was married to a daughter of Mr. J. Barkla, of Kapunda, has left two sons — Messrs. E. W Castine, M.L.C., and O. H. Castine, manager of the Riverton stock branch of Goldsbrough Mort & Co. for more than 30 years— and one daughter, Miss Gertrude Castine, of Lambert Road, Royston Park. After a short service, the funeral will leave St. John's Church, Auburn, at 2 p.m. today, for the Auburn cemetery.

I would welcome any further information about this man. The above detail was collected from newspapers via the internet (trove).

Compiled by: Jude Prior – March 2014

Lots more info found in 2018 from newspapers & a box of letters 1879 - 1909.

Castine family descendants in Australia (best to view on computer)

Castine
family descendants in Australia
(best to view on computer)