Graham, James

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Agent TypePersonActivities & OccupationsMerchantsHistoryJames Graham was born in 1819 in Ireland. In 1836 he was employed by Pagan & Christie bankers and solicitors and was appointed clerk in charge of the National Security Savings Bank of Fife. Graham resigned and sailed on the 'Alfred' and arrived in Sydney in January 1839. With three companions and a servant, Graham travelled overland for Melbourne to establish an agency for the Sydney merchant, S.A. Donaldson. He soon established a thriving business which included investments in land and buildings for Donaldson's clients. By the mid 1840s, though still conducting Donaldson's Victorian affairs, Graham was in business on his own account. In 1853 he was nominated to the Legislative Council but resigned in 1854 to visit Britain. Graham returned in 1857 prompted by reports of a depression. In 1858, Graham formed Graham Bros. & Co. and admitted his brothers as partners. The partnership was later dissolved but Graham retained the title and his sons joined the firm. A director of numerous companies, founding member of the Melbourne Club and savvy investor, Graham died in 1898.

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Graham, James