John Dare was born in Dorset, England, in 1831 and emigrated to Australia as a youth. He entered the ministry in 1851 and was the first minister of Melbourne First Circuit from 1862 - 1865. In 1877 Rev Dare was elected President of the Victoria and Tasmania Conference.Brown leather travelling writing case with brass fittings. The box is lined with black leather. There is a small plaque on the lid."PRESENTED TO THE REVD. JOSEPH DANE PRESIDENT OF THE Fitz Roy Wesleyan Association by the members AS AN expression of love and esteem Fitz Roy March 30th 1869."fitzroy wesleyan association, rev joseph dare d d wesleyan minister