Australian Dictionary of Biography

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Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

The Australian Dictionary of Biography is Australia's pre-eminent dictionary of national biography. In it you will find concise, informative and fascinating descriptions of the lives of significant and representative persons in Australian history.

See what distinguished Australians are saying about the ADB.

The ADB is produced by the National Centre of Biography at the Australian National University.


* *Proposed ADB entries for people who died 1991-2000* *

Feature Article

Sir John Eardley Eardley-Wilmot (1783–1847)

Sir John Eardley Eardley-Wilmot

Sir John Eardley Eardley-Wilmot (1783-1847), lieutenant-governor, was born on 21 February 1783 in London, the son of John Eardley-Wilmot and his wife Frances, née Sainthill. His grandfather was chief justice of common pleas, his father a master in chancery. Through this background, rather than as a result of personal achievement, Wilmot was created a baronet in 1821. He was called to the Bar in 1806 and was chairman of the Warwickshire Quarter Sessions from 1830 to 1843. He published An Abridgment...

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What’s New

1996 Entries

Browse through the list of articles for people who died in 1996

10 March 2023

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9 March 2023

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8 March 2023

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Six new ADB entries added to website
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Born This Day

John Thomas (Jack) Patten (1905–1957)

John Thomas (Jack) Patten (1905-1957), Aboriginal leader, was born on 27 March 1905 at Moama, New South Wales, eldest of six children of John Thomas Patten, labourer and later police tracker, and his wife...

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