Banjo Paterson

Banjo Paterson was married to Alice Emily Walker on April 8, 1903. A year later, she gave birth to a little girl, Grace. Just two short years after that, Paterson’s legacy was continued through the birth of his son, Hugh.

He died of a heart attack on February 5, 1941 in Sydney, however, his memory lives on through his many written works and selfless acts.

He was born as Andrew Barton Paterson on February 17, 1864 at Narrambla, which is located near Orange city, New South Wales.

He was born to Andrew Bogle Paterson and Rose Isabella Barton and was the oldest of seven children. His father was a Scottish immigrant, and his mother was a native Australian, related to the Prime Minister of Australia, Edmund Barton.

His father also wrote poetry that was published in ‘The Bulletin’, where Banjo Paterson would later be published.

His early education consisted of tutoring by his governess and a simplistic bush school. His boyhood growing up in the bush later became a major theme of his poetry.

In 1874, at the age of ten, he attended ‘Sydney Grammar School’. During the school years, he lived with his grandmother, Emily May Barton, who was very well-educated and nurtured his love of poetry.

Banjo Paterson’s poetic career began while he was in law school. His first poem, ‘El Mahdi to the Australian Troops’ was published in ‘The Bulletin’--an Australian literary journal--in February 1885.

On August 28, 1886, he began his occupation as a solicitor. For the next ten years he practiced with his partner, John William Street.

His strong, Australian nationalism was expressed when he covered the Boer War for the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ in 1899. His graphic and detailed account of the battles that ensued quickly drew attention.

He used his horsing expertise to assist the Australian and British forces throughout the war as an honorary veterinarian.

In 1901, Paterson visited China and England to further his journalism career for the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’. The following year, he published his second collection of poetry, ‘Rio Grande's Last Race and Other Verses’, which detailed his war experience.

In October 1895, Angus and Robertson published ‘The Man from Snowy River’ and other verses, a collection of Paterson’s verses that mainly served to celebrate the bushman. The first edition sold out in the first week, and more than 13,000 copies were sold during the first year, making Paterson an overnight success.

In 1895, he composed his most famous ballad, ‘Waltzing Matilda’ which is believed to be his best characterization of the bushman—known as the unofficial national anthem of Australia. The title refers to a bushman who is traveling on foot, with all of his earthly possessions slung over his shoulder. The ballad is celebrated on April 6th each year, ‘Waltzing Matilda Day’, and has a museum dedicated to the myths behind its creation.