James Barr (composer) James Barr (composer) James Barr (1779–1860) was a Scottish composer who composed the tune which inspired the tune now used for the Australian traditional song "Waltzing Matilda." Born in Tarbolton in South Ayrshire, Barr taught music and worked for a publisher in Glasgow. Barr set several poems by his friend Robert Tannahill to music. According to Christina Macpherson, "Waltzing Matilda" was created in the sitting room of Dagworth Station in January 1895 with the help of a young solicitor and poet, "Banjo" Paterson. Tannahill wrote the words in 1805 and in 1818 Barr set them to music, possibly based on
John Paterson (Australian politician) Barton in 1861 at Molong and together they had four children, two daughters and two sons. His nephew is the renowned poet and author Banjo Paterson. Paterson died in Illalong, New South Wales on 9 August 1871. John Paterson (Australian politician) John Paterson (8 December 1831 – 9 August 1871) was a Scottish-born Australian politician in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. Paterson was born in Clydevale, Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire in 1831. He took his name from his father, Captain John Paterson, a soldier. His mother was Ann Howison. Paterson arrived in New South Wales in 1850. He was a pastoralist