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James Thomas Harcourt (1813–1893)

DEATH OF MR. J. T. HARCOURT.

Our obituary column this morning announces the death of Mr. James Thomas Harcourt, an old colonist, formerly a member of Parliament, but better known in connection with the management of the insane. Mr. Harcourt, who was in his 80th year, was a native of Warwickshire, England. Early in life he devoted himself to the study of insanity and the management of the insane. He conducted a private asylum in England for some years, and in 1856 came to Victoria. Shortly after his arrival he opened a private asylum at Pascoevale, which he conducted until the year 1863 when he purchased the Cremorne-gardens, at Richmond, and converted them into a private asylum, which he managed with success till 1884. On the retirement of Dr. Bowie from the superintendence of the Kew and Yarra Bend asylums Mr. Harcourt was appointed to take charge of them, which he did until the appointment of the late Dr. Paley. Mr. Harcourt took a very active part in the management of our charitable institutions, and he was considered a valuable member of the boards of management. He was chairman and treasurer of the Benevolent Asylum for a great number of years, and was also an active member of the council of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum and the Blind Asylum. His interest in educational matters was not less keen, and he was for a long time connected with the management of Wesley College and the Industrial Schools. He was a member of the Richmond Municipal Council for a considerable time, and in the year 1869 was elected to represent that constituency in Parliament, where he served for three years. For the last five years he has been in failing health, and his death was not unexpected. The deceased had a family of two sons and five daughters. His sons are resident in England. One of his daughters is the wife of Mr. E. Newbigin of this city, Mrs. Joseph Hicks is another, a third is the wife of Mr. Vardy of Sydney, and another of Dr. Tucker of London.

Original publication

Citation details

'Harcourt, James Thomas (1813–1893)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/harcourt-james-thomas-18844/text30486, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1813
Warwickshire, England

Death

February, 1893 (aged ~ 80)
Victoria, Australia