James Farnell

James Squire Farnell (25 June 1825 – 21 August 1888) was an Australian politician and Premier of New South Wales.

Early years Farnell was born in St Leonards, New South Wales, son of Thomas Charles Farnell, a brewer, and Mary Ann Farnell, daughter of James Squire, who arrived on the First Fleet and may have been Australia's first brewer. He was educated at Parramatta. He visited America and New Zealand during the California Gold Rush in 1849. but was defeated at the next election for the seat of Central Cumberland. In 1864 he won the seat of Parramatta, which he held for the next 10 years. He was Secretary for Lands between May 1872 and February 1875. He also spent time as Secretary for Mines. He was defeated for 1874 election for Parramatta,

Premier

Farnell became premier on 18 December 1877 and took office as the first Australian-born Premier, choosing the portfolio of Secretary for Lands.

Subsequent career Farnell was unsuccessful in his candidacy for Parramatta at the 1882 election, From 1882 to 1885, he represented New England. In January 1883, Farnell again became Secretary for Lands. He then became Minister of Justice and Representative of the Government in the Legislative Council in October 1885, having been appointed to the Legislative Council on the same day, but resigned from the ministry 2 days later.

He died in Petersham. His son Frank Farnell was a member of the Legislative Assembly for Central Cumberland.

Honours Farnell declined a knighthood.