Colonel John Ernest Cecil Lord was born in Brighton on 3 May 1870 to Richard and Augusta Lord (nee Packer). He had a long military and public service career and made contributions to sport in Tasmania. He was appointed as Police Commissioner on 1 July 1906 and remained in this position until his retirement at age 70 in 1940. He married Hannah May Smith in 1901. Hannah Lord was born on 24 April 1874 in Hobart to William Henry and Elizabeth Campbell Smith (nee Lord). She became known for her in welfare work in Hobart and was involved in the Child Welfare Association and Red Cross. John and Hannah had four children - Roy, Enid, Phyllis and Topsy.