Researching John Stuart

Stuart led the first successful expedition to traverse the Australian mainland from south to north and return, through the centre of the continent. His experience and the care he showed for his team ensured he never lost a man, despite the harshness of the country he encountered.

The explorations of Stuart eventually resulted in the 1863 annexation of a huge area of country to the Government of South Australia. This area became known as the Northern Territory. In 1911 the Commonwealth of Australia assumed responsibility for that area. In 1871–72 the Australian Overland Telegraph Line was constructed along Stuart's route. The principal road from Port Augusta to Darwin was also established essentially on his route and was in 1942 named the Stuart Highway in his honour, following a recommendation by Governor-General Gowrie.

He was born in Keith, Banffshire, the son of James Stuart. He was educated there, worked as a clerk in a lawyer's office and came to Canada West in 1848, settling first in Toronto and then Hamilton in 1864. In 1856, he married Jane Jacques. In 1864, he established a wholesale grocery business in partnership with Alexander Harvey, the husband of his sister Margaret. Stuart was elected in the 1874 federal election; his election was overturned after an appeal and he was defeated by William Wallace in the by-election held in December 1874. Stuart was also vice-president of the Bank of Hamilton and a director of the Wellington, Bruce and Grey Railway. He also served as president of the Hamilton and North-Western Railway. Stuart died in Toronto at the age of 83.

He was born in Perthshire and served as a lieutenant in the 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot. In 1784, he settled in Guysborough. Stuart served as custos rotulorum and sheriff for Sydney County. He also served as registrar of deeds. Stuart died in Halifax. He is buried in the Old Burying Ground (Halifax, Nova Scotia).