Thomas Playford was born at Bethnal Green, London, and in 1844 he migrated with his family to Adelaide where his father took up land purchased some years earlier. After being educated at Thomas Muggs' School, Mitcham, Playford went on to the family farm then developed his own orchard before entering South Australian politics in 1868. He was elected Premier in June 1887 and served in that position until June 1889, and served a second term from 1890 to 1892. He was also an active member of literary and debating societies, and wrote detailed accounts of his travels. He married Mary Jane Kinsman in 1860 and after his death in 1915 he was survived by her, their five sons and five daughters. (Source: Australian Dictionary of Biography Online)