Family background
James David Harnett was born c1829 in Dublin, Ireland, the son of James Harnett and his wife Johannah. He married Mary Ann (1881-1909) and he and his wife and two children immigrated to Sydney in 1856 on board the ship ‘Vocalist’. Harnett died 24 May 1883, aged 54 years, at Darlington, and he was interred in the Catholic Section of Rookwood Cemetery. He did not leave a Will. James David Harnett lived at Rose Street, Darlington.
Occupation & interests
Harnett was a bricklayer and builder.
Community activity
James David Harnett in 1869 signed a petition requesting that the Mayor of Darlington call a meeting of the ratepayers to consider the lighting of the Borough with gas.
Local government service
James Harnett was an alderman on Darlington Council in 1869-73. He was the Council Returning Officer in 1870. He was disqualified from being an alderman under Section 37 of the Municipalities Act of 1867 in November 1873.
References
‘Municipal’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 February 1869, p. 3, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/166807543
‘Advertising’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 December 1873, p. 8, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13327952