Edmund Barton

Sir Edmund Barton was born on January 18, 1849, in Glebe, Sydney. Graduating with highest classics honors from the University of Sydney, Barton was called to the Bar and entered the New South Wales Parliament, serving as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Attorney-General.

Inheriting the leadership of the federal movement from Henry Parkes, Barton tirelessly campaigned across the continent under the motto 'A Nation for a Continent, and a Continent for a Nation.' He led the drafting of the Australian Constitution and traveled to London to secure its passage through the British Imperial Parliament. Appointed inaugural Prime Minister on January 1, 1901, he later served for seventeen years as a foundational judge of the High Court of Australia.