John Estell (1861-1928): Born 20 June, 1861 in Minmi, New South Wales.
Education: Attended public schools in Rydal, Wallerawang, and Bathurst.
Career: Engine-cleaner for the railways at 17. Returned to Minmi in 1882 as an engine-driver at the colliery, later working as a coalminer.
Active in local government and community organizations: alderman (1887-1900) and mayor of Plattsburg (1891, 1897, 1899), president of the Wallsend and Plattsburg Fire Brigade, and involved in various local sports clubs and the Mechanics' Institute.
President of the Wallsend and Plattsburg Labor and Protection League (1891) and secretary of the Wallsend miners' lodge (1894). President of the Colliery Employees' Federation (1897-1899).
Nominated to the Legislative Council in 1899, but resigned in 1901 to enter the Legislative Assembly, where he represented Wallsend, Waratah, and Newcastle until 1922.
Held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Labour and Industry (1914-1916), Secretary for Mines (1915-1916), Secretary for Public Works, and Minister for Railways (1920-1922).
Resigned from his Assembly seat in 1922 and was re-nominated to the Legislative Council.
Died: 18 October 1928 at his home in Hamilton; buried in the Methodist section of Wallsend cemetery.