James Samuels

James Samuels (1835-1927), also known as the Grand Old Man, was an early immigrant to the then village of Dubbo, New South Wales. Born in Bristol, United Kingdom, in 1835 he moved to Melbourne in 1850 before making his way to Dubbo in 1856. Samuels' efforts both publicly and privately were foundational to many Dubbo institutions. His long philanthropic life had an enduring influence in the development of the central west. His name no longer adorns a wing at the Dubbo Hospital. .

Government Samuels, with T. Frawley, collected 102 signatures to petition the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales for the formation of the Dubbo Municipality. On 18 February the Colonial Secretary informed Samuels that the Governor of NSW was pleased to constitute the Dubbo Municipal District, resulting in the proclamation of the town of Dubbo on 19 February 1872. Speaking thirty years later, Taylor said of Samuels: "as the first Mayor, and I may say the father of the Municipal Council, he successfully steered the Municipal barque on her first voyage." Samuels was elected to the Dubbo Council for many years after his mayoral terms. Samuels continued to serve the hospital and retained his positions as treasurer and trustee until his death 60 years later. During his life, Samuels donated three blocks of his land to the hospital. On 2 June 1930, the Samuel's Ward was opened "in honour of the memory of the late James Samuels" for all those looking to settle west of the divide.

The Great Western Coal Mining Co., of which Samuels was chairman, discovered artesian water at Ballimore Hill in 1887 while drilling bores in the area. Samuels had samples sent to Sydney for testing, which confirmed the purity of the water as well as the presence of mineral aquifer.

Mining Samuels had an active role in mining and prospecting around the district. He drew geological maps that he contributed tot eh public record. He personally prospected sites, raised funds, and encouraged the formation of companies. He contributed to the development of mining for gold, gemstone, coal, copper, and gas in the district and acted as chairman and treasurer for several companies engaged in such activities.

Gas and lighting A gas company was formed in 1881 to connect Dubbo with gas, which was accomplished in May 1882. G. Kitchen was manager of the gasworks and James Samuels was chairman of the company. In 1890 the private company was taken over by the Dubbo Council.