John Hallett was born in Woodford, Essex. He and his family emigrated to South Australia on the, under Captain John Finlay Duff, arriving at Nepean Bay, Kangaroo Island on 6 November 1836. Hallett, who was a business associate of Duff and both part-owners of the ship, was one of those who remained on the island, at least in part to assist in a search party for group who on 1 November went ashore to hike along the north of the island, a trek that took much longer than anticipated. Hallett and his family lived for a time on Kangaroo Island before moving to Glenelg. He and his wife were present at the Proclamation on 28 December 1836, and purchased a town acre at the first land sale on 27 March 1837. He set up a business with Duff as merchants, and on 28 March 1838, was one of a panel appointed to develop an official policy on the treatment of Aborigines. He built a substantial two-storey brick house on South Terrace, later occupied by Captain Charles Berkeley, Inspector of Police, and since demolished. Hallett had a property, Willogoleechee, in the Mid North of South Australia that became the town of Hallett, named in Hallett's honour. In 1844, sheep were stolen from the property by local NgadjuriAboriginal people. Hallett's men tracked the Aboriginal people down and opened fire on them, killing as many as 30. The Protector of Aborigines investigated but only recommended that one of the Aboriginal men, 'Kangaroo Jack', be tried for stealing sheep. He was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. This incident is sometimes known as the ''Mount Bryanmassacre".
Politics and after
He was a member for The Sturt in the South Australian House of Assembly from March 1857 to October 1862, having been narrowly reelected in 1860. His colleague in the first parliament was Thomas Reynolds and Joseph Peacock in the second. On 21 October 1862 parliament was prorogued, and the next day dissolved by proclamation. Hallett was a candidate at the ensuing election, but was beaten by R. B. Andrews. In August 1863 he was one of five candidates for three vacancies in the Legislative Council, but was unsuccessful. He withdrew from public affairs, and until his death lived in relative obscurity. Around 1860 he took up his residence at Ilfracombe, near Beaumont. In July 1863 his health deteriorated, and he transferred his business to his brother Alfred, and subsequently ventured to the city only once, in September, 1865. In 1868 he had three attacks of "serous apoplexy", followed by bronchitis and died an hour or two before midnight, 10 June, surrounded by his family. At his request, the funeral and burial were private affairs, no public notice being issued.
Recognition
Hallett Cove was named for him.
The town of Hallett, South Australia was named for him, and laid out on his property "Willogoleechee".
Family
John Hallett married Maria King ; they had five sons and five daughters:
Maria Hallett married John Ogle Carlile of Mickolo, Western Plains on 5 January 1863
Emma Edmunds Hallett married Dr. Francis Edward Goldsmith on 13 December 1865, lived Magill, then Robe. He was appointed Surgeon and Protector of Aborigines in Northern Territory and resigned shortly after, having lost the confidence of the Government Resident, B. T. Finniss. A chronically paralysed invalid, he died after taking poison. She married again, to Alexander Brodie of Morphett Vale on 16 February 1883.
Jessie Brodie Hallett married William Little on 15 January 1877, lived at Terowie
Edward Regia Hallett married Victoria King on 8 December 1863, lived at Winninnie then Kensington. Victoria was the second daughter of Stephen King JP and sister of the explorer, Stephen King jr.
Alfred King Hallett
Albert Selby Hallett
Alfred Hallett of Medindie, South Australia and Jesse Hallett and Selby Hallett, both of London, were his brothers
