Jonathan Binns Were

Jonathan Binns Were C.M.G., J.P. Victoria, (25 April 1809 – 6 September 1885)^[1] was an Australian politician, member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly and a stockbroker.^[2]

Were was the third son of the late Nicholas Were, of Landcox, Somerset, and was born at Wellington, in that county.^[1] Were engaged in mercantile pursuits, and left Plymouth for Port Phillip, now Victoria (Australia), in July 1839, ultimately establishing himself as a merchant in Melbourne. In 1852 he unsuccessfully contested South Bourke for a seat in the original unicameral Victorian Legislative Council, Henry Miller defeating him.^[1] Four years later Were was returned to the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Brighton, in opposition to John Dennistoun Wood. He, however, resigned in March 1857, and never re-entered political life.^[1]

Were was stock and share broker from 1860 and was involved with firm named J. B. Were & Son from 1861.^[3]

Were, who was consul in Melbourne for several foreign nations, was the first chairman of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in 1841, and, was re-elected in 1852. In 1881 he was created C.M.G. in recognition of his services in connection with the Melbourne International Exhibition (1880).^[1] Were was knighted by the kings of Sweden and Denmark.^[2]

Were died on 6 September 1885,^[1] in Victoria, Australia.^[2]

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