John Bentham Neales (13 June 1806 – 31 July 1873),[1] frequently referred to as "J. Bentham Neales" or "Bentham Neales", was a businessman and politician in the early days of South Australia, by some regarded as the "Father of Mining in South Australia".[2]
Neales was born in Plymouth, England, the son of Elizabeth née Bentham. Both parents died when he was very young, leaving him to be brought up by an uncle. He migrated to South Australia on the Eden, arriving on 24 June 1838.