John Petrie
| John Petrie | |
|---|---|
Signed photo of John Petrie
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| Born |
15 January 1822 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 8 December 1892 (aged 70) Brisbane, Australia |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Builder, Architect, Local Mayor/Councillor |
| Known for | First mayor of Brisbane |
| Board member of | Brisbane Licensing Board |
| Children | 10 |
| Parent(s) | Andrew Petrie, Mary Cuthbertson |
John Petrie (15 January 1822 – 8 December 1892) was the first Mayor of Brisbane, an architect, stonemason and building contractor in that city.
John Petrie was born 15 January 1822 in Edinburgh, the eldest son of Andrew Petrie and Mary Cuthbertson. He arrived in Sydney with his family in 1831 and was educated at John Dunmore Lang's school. In 1837 he went to Moreton Bay, where his father had been appointed clerk of works, and accompanied him on explorations to the west and north of Brisbane; he also became a champion oarsman. Aware that his son might be unduly influenced by the incarcerated men at the penal colony, his father only selected workmen that he considered beyond reproach to come to his home in the evening to teach his sons cabinet making and carpentry skills.
On 5 September 1850 in Brisbane, Petrie married Jane Keith McNaught, daughter of Daniel McNaught and Margaret Edgar of Dunbarton, Scotland. Daniel McNaught was a foreman of the Petrie business and contracting business after migrating to Brisbane.
The couple had five sons and five daughters (all of which except one daughter—details unknown—appear below):
His wife Jane died in Brisbane on 16 Dec 1896 and is buried in the Petrie family plot in Toowong Cemetery.
John Petrie died on 8 December 1892 in Brisbane and is buried with his wife and family in Toowong Cemetery.
After 'apprenticeship' in the family building and contracting business John assumed increasing responsibility for its management after his father's blindness in 1848 forced him to retire. John became sole proprietor and the firm was changed from Petrie & Son to John Petrie. The enviable repute for fine workmanship under his father was sustained by John. His skill can still be seen in many buildings in Brisbane, but he lacked his father's drive and business acumen. In 1882 Petrie's son, Andrew Lang, became manager of the reconstructed firm, John Petrie & Son.
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