| Notes |
- Robert Travers Atkin - born 29 November 1841 at Fernhill, Clonakilty, Co. Cork Ireland was the fourth and youngest son of William Francis and Alice ATKIN. He died in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on the 25th May 1872.
After William Francis ATKIN's death sometime before 1850, his widow Alicia ATKIN, formerly HUNGERFORD nee STEWART, moved her family to France where the boys were educated.
Robert Travers ATKIN returned to England to a commission in the Staffordshire militia. Met his wife in Dublin. In 1863 he was married in London to Mary Elizabeth RUCK.
Cork Chronicle Newspaper.... Sat 9 July 1864, ... 'On 7th inst. At St. Mark's Notting Hill, London, by the Rev E.K.KENDALL M.A. Incumbent assisted by Rev. Daniel EVANS, Incumbent of Carris, North Wales and Domestic Chaplin to the Earl of Vane, Robert Travers only son of the late William Francis ATKIN Esq. of Fernhill in this County, to Mary Elizabeth eldest daughter of Laurence RUCK of Cranbrook Manor House, Newington, Kent and Pantlldw in the County of Merrioneth.'
After their marriage Robert Travers and Mary Elizabeth ATKIN, his 2 sisters (Kate & Grace) and his mother emigrated to Australia on 11 Nov 1864 aboard the "Wansfell". In Queensland he became involved in the newspaper business. More information about his life in Australia is contained in the following entry found in a book about the Irish in Australia, page 58, gives an account of his life and work there.
They had four sons, three living, in Brisbane, Australia. When his son James Richard was born, he was living at Tank Street, North Quay.
After Robert Travers ATKIN's death in 1872, widowed Mary with her three young children returned to her parents’ home in Towyn, Merioneth, Wales. The three boys attended Public Schools, Brecon College being their first.
Their eldest son James Richard ATKIN became a Barrister-at-law, and had a distinguished career in law, culminating in being awarded first a Knighthood in 1913, then a Peerage for life as Baron ATKIN of Aberdovey, Co. Merioneth on the 6th Feb 1928.
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From Calender of Wills & Admons after 1858 P.R.O. Dublin.
'1873 ATKIN, Robert Travers - 9 May - Letters of Admon (with Will annexed) of the personal estate of, late of Brisbane, Australia Esq. Deceased who died 25 May 1872 at Sandgate Queensland, aforesaid were granted at Prin. Reg. to Mary Elizabeth ATKIN of Pantlludw, Machnllth, North Wales, the widow and universal legatee.'
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M1720.2
Extracted from 'The Sandgate Echo' 13 Nov 1957.
Re: Robert Travers ATKIN ..... Inscription on column erected by members of the Hibernian Society of Queensland;
"His days were few but his labours and attainment bore the stamp of wise maturity."
Also; 'This broken column symbolises the irreparable loss of a man who well represented some of the finest characteristics of the Celtic race -its rich humour and subtle wit, its fervid passion and genial warmth of heart - distinguished alike in the Press and the Parliament of Queensland by large and elevated views, remarkable powers of organisation and unswerving advocate of the popular cause. His rare abilities were especially devoted to the promotion of a patriotic union amongst his countrymen, irrespective of class or creed, combined with a loyal allegiance to the land of their adoption.'
- Entry in Australian Dictionary of Biography:
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/atkin-robert-travers-2908.
~~~
Sandgate Memorial:
http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/government---colonial/display/92491-robert-atkin
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1841 - 1872 (30 years)
