Sir James Liege Hulett (17 May 1838 – 5 June 1928) was a remarkable individual whose influence left an enduring mark on the Colony of Natal in South Africa. He was a multifaceted figure—a British sugar magnate, a politician, and a philanthropist. His story begins in May 1857 when he arrived in Durban with a mere 5 pounds in his pocket and an employment opportunity offered by Mr. Burgess, a chemist who happened to be a friend of his father. Between May 1857- 1860 he was lent £25 by his uncle, George Flashman. Who was a furniture manufacturer in Dover, England. . . what a leg up! In the 1860’s the 1 Pound was worth $4.50 and you could buy land for roughly a dollar an acre on average.

After finding out there were coal deposits in 1893 Mtubatuba, Hulett formed the ZCCO, Zululand Collieries Company. The Government granted ZCCO a 50 year lease of 4000 acres for mining. It is said that Hulett bank rolled the extension of his ‘private’ railway line from Verulam to Empangeni.

Hulett married a Mary Balcomb, her parents also being immigrants to Natal, and “neighboring” farmers to Hulett. She definitely pulled her weight in bearing children, having 6 sons and 2 daughters! Both coming from big families, most of their “grandchildren would marry the descendants of the 1820 settlers linking everyone up.

I have found that a lot of the farmers from Verulam through to Empangeni are related to a member of either the Hulett or Balcomb families. Their tree is quite extensive, Mr. Gareth Reeves has generously allowed me access to photos. His mother Eunice nee Balcomb is the last one left of her generation. I will hopefully have more intriguing stories for a follow up article.

The name “Kearsney” carried a poignant connection to the now-ruined Kearsney Manor in Dover, England, where Hulett had cherished his childhood days. Instead of any other name, he chose to honor these cherished memories, solidifying the identity of Kearsney College—a prestigious institution that thrives even today.

Hulett’s achievements extended beyond agriculture. Notably, he became a local preacher in the Verulam Circuit of the Methodist Church, where he was instrumental in initiating Sunday services at his home. The lack of nearby places of worship drew friends and neighbors to this makeshift church. Among the congregation were the parents of Mary Ann Hulett, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Balcomb, her three brothers, Inigo, Horace, and Benjamin, along with other prominent families like Metcalf, Newcombe, Fuller, Peachie, and Buckle.

The crowning achievement of Sir James Liege Hulett’s life was his instrumental role in pioneering the nation’s sugar industry. In 1892, he founded the Hulett Company, an enterprise that managed extensive cane plantations and marked a milestone with the establishment of the first sugar mill in 1903. Hulett’s vision extended beyond business, and he embarked on a personal mission to extend the railway line between Verulam and Stanger, creating the first privately owned railway line in Natal. His remarkable career in public service included representing Victoria County in the Natal legislative council for a span of twenty-two years.

In 1921, Hulett’s dedication to education manifested as he founded Umhlali Preparatory School and Kearsney College, a prestigious institution for boys situated in Stanger. Later, Kearsney College relocated to Botha’s Hill, where it continues to stand as a beacon of education and character development. Today, the Huletts Sugar Company is recognized as Tongaat-Hulett, following its merger with the Tongaat sugar company. It remains a significant player in the country’s sugar industry, a testament to the enduring legacy of James Liege Hulett’s vision, entrepreneurship, and commitment to community and education.

In summary, Sir James Liege Hulett’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of agricultural innovation, philanthropy, and public service. His story serves as an inspiration, underlining the profound impact that an individual with vision and dedication can have on a region and an industry.

Please view family tree below by clicking on the logo. It spans 3 landscape A3’s you can zoom in to see the members/profiles.