John De Baun

John De Baun (1852–1912) was an American-born Australian real estate developer, hotelier and mining investor.

Biography

Early life John de Baun was born on 19 January 1852 in New Jersey. He emigrated to Australia, arriving in Melbourne in the 1880s.

In 1894 he purchased the Freemason's Hotel, on the corner of St Georges Terrace and William Street, Perth. He then built a new three-storey hotel, the Palace Hotel, designed by architects Porter and Thomas (formerly of Broken Hill), on the site. The Palace Hotel was called "one of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in Australasia" by author Warren Bert Kimberly. He also owned many properties in Perth, including most of St Georges Terrace, and mining interests in the Goldfields. which allowed him to pursue interests in the Western Australian pearling industry. In December 1908 De Baun lost six ships (one schooner and five luggers) when a cyclone hit the Broome area.

Personal life On 13 September 1899 De Baun married Ada Williams at St George's Cathedral, with the reception held at the Palace Hotel.

Death De Baun died on 24 December 1911 in Perth, following a blood infection in his leg, which was complicated by his diabetes.

Legacy John De Baun Street in Cable Beach, Western Australia is named in recognition of his contribution to the pearling industry. The Melbourne Hotel [33 Milligan St Perth] named the original 1897 pub De Baun & Co in honour of John De Baun The St Georges Terrace portal into 108 St Georges Terrace (formerly the Bankwest Tower), which adjoins the Palace Hotel building, is named the John De Baun Entrance.