John Henry Barrow, a Congregational minister, migrated with his family to Adelaide in 1853. He took up a position in the accounts section of the South Australian Register and, for a time, became leader writer. Leaving the Register, Barrow began two new newspapers, the South Australian Advertiser and the Weekly Chronicle, with a joint stock company. According to the Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB), 'Barrow controlled the literary side efficiently but the business management was divided and not a financial success'.
The ADB continues: 'In August 1862 the morning Advertiser faced competition from the new evening Telegraph. To meet this rivalry Barrow produced the Adelaide Express in November 1863, but within a year his joint-stock company was dissolved and control passed to a syndicate of eight, with Thomas King in control of the business side and Barrow as editor and literary manager. Outspoken editorials and reduced prices soon improved the finances of the Advertiser and Chronicle and in December 1866 the syndicate bought the Telegraph, combining it next month with the Express. In September 1871 the syndicate was dissolved, leaving Barrow and King as sole proprietors.'
Barrow also served in the South Australian Legislative Council and worked on many of its select committees.
Source: Australian Dictionary of Biography Online: http://adb.anu.edu.au/
Sighted: 22/01/2013
