Life Story

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Few men in colonial Victoria built fortunes quite like Captain John Haimes, described in later years as “the wealthiest man in the district”. Yet his final acts revealed deep compassion for those struggling on the margins of society.

 

John Haimes was born in Australia around 1827 and spent much of his childhood in George Town, Tasmania. His father, Richard Haimes, operated the military canteen there before opening the Waterloo Tavern, one of the district’s earliest licensed premises. After his father’s accidental death in 1833, John’s mother Margaret continued running the hotel before remarrying two years later. Family tradition holds that young John was about eight years old when John Batman stayed at the Waterloo Tavern before sailing aboard the Rebecca on the expedition that led to the founding of Melbourne.

 

As a young man, John travelled to Victoria before settling in South Australia, where his sharp business instincts quickly became apparent. He built a successful mail contracting business, accumulated property, established the Waverley Brewery in Adelaide and served in the South Australian Militia, proudly retaining the title “Captain” throughout his life.

 

After travelling to England in 1861, Captain Haimes visited the Western District and decided to purchase the property, Mamre, from Andrew Rutherford. From there he expanded his interests further, serving for many years on the Colac Council. Livestock from his Mamre stud were regarded among the finest in the Western District and several of his horses raced successfully at Flemington.

 

Despite failing health in later years, Captain Haimes continued purchasing property and died in 1890 extremely wealthy. Never marrying, he nevertheless showed particular sympathy toward women facing hardship.

 

His carefully prepared will provided for friends, widows and children, before leaving the substantial residue of his estate to Ladies Benevolent Societies, including the struggling Colac Ladies Benevolent Society.

 

Research by Raye Loughnan

Story by Merrill O’Donnell
 
© 2026 Colac & District Family History Group Inc. 
All rights reserved. 

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Life stories have been researched and compiled by the Colac & District Family History Group Inc. and its independent contributors. This material must not be copied or reproduced without permission. AI tools have been used to assist. 

 

For more information, please contact the Colac & District Family History Group Inc.