Finding a few more nuggets about Edward Atkins ......

There is not much that is substantially new in regard to Edward Atkins and his first and second marriages but there are a few new 'nuggets' which may have emerged from recent discussions and plenty of grist for the conjecture mill . 

The question of where he was living when he died, or rather, with whom he was living has been raised given that an earlier assumption was he lived with Jasper and Margaret Newberry. Margaret was his daughter from his first marriage to Hannah McLeod.

But it now seems he was living with his other daughter from the same marriage, Emily and her husband Edward Puddy.  And questions still abound in regard to just which family members were mentioned in Edward's obituary and if none of them include Elizabeth and her children and grand-children, then why?

As Luke writes:

Edward Atkins was living at Whyte Park when he died. He may not have always lived there, but he was there when he died. The obituary just states that he died at the residence of his son-in-law. However, it is a good chance that if he was 84 years old and Elizabeth Mashford and her children were living at Gladstone, then in his old age he well may have been living at Whyte Park being cared for by his daughter when he died.

However, it was not Jasper Newberry and Margaret Newberry nee Atkins who were looking after him at Whyte Park, but Edward Puddy. In the attachment that Jillian sent it states that the son-in-law was Jasper Newberry and she has got that information from your blog site Ros.  I think I may have given you that information, but it was a mistake on my behalf and I do not know if I ever told you it was mistake. The reason why I think it was Edward Puddy is outlined below as I have it in my Family History Journal.

Who was the son-in-law who placed the obituary in the newspaper? I believe it was Edward Puddy because there were two children born to Edward and Emily Puddy around the time of Edward Atkins’ death:-

·       Sydney Walter Puddy born 1890 at Whyte Park North Wirrabara.[1]

·       Edward Prentice Puddy born 1893 at Whyte Park North Wirrabara.[2]

Thus Emily Puddy and Edward Puddy were living at Whyte Park North Wirrabara between 1890 and 1893. Edward Atkins died in 1891 at the exact same place. So the son-in-law who placed the obituary in the newspaper was more than likely Edward Puddy. Thus Edward Atkins died at the residence of his daughter Emily and his Son-in-law Edward Puddy at Whyte Park.

Jasper and Margaret Newberry's last child was Edith Newberry. She was born on the 5/10/1889 at Glenorchy.[3] As a result, at least two years before Edward Atkins died the Newberry family was living at Glenorchy and not Whyte Park. And it would seem from the recollection of Alma Newberry the Newberry family always lived at Glenorchy.

As for the obituary, I think there are just too many variables contacted in it. As a result it is open to personal interpretation E.G. was Anne Pole one of the daughter who “mourn their loss” when she was dead, or was there another unknown daughter? Who was the one son? Was it James Atkins?  Why was Elizabeth Mashford and her two daughters not mentioned in the obituary?  No matter which way you interpreted the obituary there will always be another interpretation.

The problem with finding another son or another daughter is that we have never found a death record for Hannah McLeod so we do not know when she died. All we know is that Edward Atkins last child to Hannah was Emily in 1854 and Edward remarried Elizabeth Mashford in January 1858. Therefore this leaves three possible years for Hannah to have another child before Edward remarried. However, I have never found another child, but this does not mean he/she did not exist. None of the children of Edward and Hannah have birth certificate so it would not surprise me if there was another child, But who was it?

As far as I can work out Edward had four sons. Three to Hannah and one to Elizabeth.  The three sons of Edward Atkins and Hannah McLeod are

·       Henry Edward Atkins DOB 1843 Adelaide DOD 1843 Adelaide???

·       Henry Edward Atkins DOB 1850 Bundaleer DOD 1857 Bundaleer.

·       Joseph Atkins DOB 1851 Penwortham DOD 28/11/1855 Bundaleer.

The one son of Edward Atkins and Elizabeth Mashford was:-·       James Atkins DOB 2/1/1862 Charlton Mine DOD 16/9/1907 Jamestown Hospital.

Photo: Booyoolie Station, South Australia.

However, I have come up with another idea about the one son mentioned in the obituary, and I must admit that it is outlastdish. Could the one son mentioned in the obituary be Mary Ross nee Atkins illegitimate son Edward Atkins??????

It was common knowledge in my family that Mary Ross had an illegitimate son. My grandmother talked about it, so did my mother and my aunties. My Aunty Blanche even met two of the sons by Edward Atkins and Mary Wise when she was working at the age care home for ex military men at Fullerton in Adelaide.

I find it interesting that when Edward Atkins married Mary Wise that the marriage record on Ancestry.com names Edward Atkins’ father as Edward Atkins and not Edward Welsh.

Did Mary Ross hand over her first born to the first family of Edward Atkins to be raised.???

I have not looked into the grandchildren of Edward Atkins to see if Mary Ross’s illegitimate son’s children could be included as part of the 47 grandchildren.

The death notice for Mary Ross states that she had a stepson which is incorrect it was her son, but I have never found out if Mary Ross raised her own son or not. s? This leaves it open that the one son mentioned in the obituary could have been the son of Mary Ross.

Now as for other points:

• I agree with  that Ann Pole married John Pole in 1886 and not 1887.
• The notice about Mary Ross dying states that she moved to Gladstone with her parents. This notice is hard to work out. It could mean that she did move to Gladstone with Elizabeth Mashford and Edward Atkins and then some sort of split happened. Or the notice was provided by the Ross Children and they gave wrong information to the paper. However, I find a bit hard to believe that the Ross children did not know who Mary Ross’s parents were because the Ross children would have known that James Atkins was Mary Ross brother and not her father. As a result due to the many mistakes in the notice could it be possible that a friend of Mary Ross told the newspapers about the death and she/he gave wrong information to the newspaper.
• As for a split between Edward Atkins and Elizabeth Mashford I believe it happened but when did it happen? And off course why it happened.  May be Kylie you have the answer. I do not have any of the original photos of Edward Atkins or Elizabeth Mashford, but you Kylie have the original photo of Elizabeth Mashford. If you look at both photos I believe it was taken at the same time in the same photographic studio because the carpet is exactly the same in both photos. Kylie does the original photo of Elizabeth Mashford have a name at the back of the photo stating which photographic studio took the photo? If it does we could Google the name to see if the photographic studio was located in Gladstone or Wirrabara. If it was Gladstone it could indicate that the family did live at Gladstone and then Edward Atkins moved away. Or if the photo was taken at Wirrabara it would give an indication of when Elizabeth Mashford moved to Gladstone by the ages of the children.
•  
• As for BDM notices of stories of the two sides of the family please look at the attachment of all the notices I have found.  If you two have any I do not have please let me know.
•  
• Ros you mention that Mary Ross was “Feisty” My mother stayed with her Aunty Elizabeth (her father’s sister) at Gladstone for three months and met Mary Ross many times and she said Mary Ross “scared the life out of her “and was very strict.  I think if Edward Atkins was the father of her firstborn it would not surprise me if she would name the child after him just to annoy the first side of the family. Likewise, I cannot find any reference to a person called Edward Welsh. It just could also be the case that Edward Atkins was not the father, but Edward Welsh was the father, but he was just travelling through the Wirrrabara area which is why I cannot find a reference to an Edward Welsh living in the area. However, at this stage I do believe there was a major split in the family, but what caused it is open to speculation and personal interpretation. However, I still find it interesting that when Elizabeth Mashford died there was no reference to her as been a “Relict” of Edward Atkins.

Photo: Elizabeth Mashford (Lewis) Atkins with James Haynes Atkins circa 1870.

The Two Henry Edward Atkins

Below is a record of a burial for a Henry Edward Atkins, however there is a problem with it. The record states:-

“Parish Records:

Burial:

St Barnabas Church of England Clare:

Name: Henry Edward Atkins 7 years

2/1857”.[1]

The problem with the above record is that the date of birth does not correspond with the date of birth of the first Henry Edward Atkins who was born in 1843. Let the author explain. If the above Henry Edward Atkins died at the age of 7 years in 1857 then he was born c1850. Thus there is a 7 years difference between the birth dates of the two Henry Edward Atkins. Even in an age when people were illiterate or poorly educated the author has problems in trying to explain how Edward Atkins could not know how old his own son was when he died, especially at such a young age. So the question must be asked were there two different unrelated people with the same name of Henry Edward Atkins’? or did Edward Atkins and Hannah Atkins nee McLeod have two sons both with the same name. The author has a number of theories:-

1.    The Henry Edward Atkins who was buried at the age of 7 years in 1857 is not a son of Edward Atkins and Hannah Atkins nee McLeod and is just another person with the same name.

2.    If the Henry Edward Atkins who was buried in 1857 is the same person as the Henry Edward Atkins who was born in 1843 the author cannot explain the difference in the dates of birth. It could be the case that the record concerning the burial record of Henry Edward Atkins found at the South Australian Genealogy & Heraldry Society was hand written and may not have been recorded correctly from the original record and the Henry Edward Atkins who was born in 1843 died in 1857. However, the author does not believe this is the case.

3.    More than likely, the two Henry Edward Atkins’ are two different sons of Edward Atkins and Hannah Atkins nee McLeod.  What is the likelihood that there were two unrelated people with the same name called Henry Edward Atkins who lived in the 1840s and the 1850s in an area of South Australia where there was a sparse population? I.E the midnorth. Furthermore, what is the likelihood that there were two different unrelated people called Henry Edward Atkins’ that lived in the area covered by the parish church of Saint Barnabas? Furthermore, the author cannot find any records of any other person called Henry Edward Atkins who was born around the same time span which leads him to believe that the two people called Henry Edward Atkins are two different sons of Edward and Hannah Atkins.

It was a common practice in the 1800s for parents to rename a child with the same name of a child that had died.  I have noticed this many times with other branches of his family tree. The first Edward Atkins who was born in 1843 may have died very young and there is no record of his death or burial. However, There is a record of a child buried in West Terrace Cemetery. The date of death was 3/2/1846 aged 2 years. There is no name of the child, the record just states “child of Mrs Atkins”.[2]

Without a first name it is impossible to state that this child was the son of Edward Atkins and Hannah Atkins nee McLeod. If it was the son of Edward Atkins and his wife then he did die young and then, around 1850, a second son was born and Edward Atkins and Hannah Atkins nee McLeod called their son by the same name. However, there is no record of the birth or baptism of the Henry Edward Atkins who was born in 1850. The first Henry Edward Atkins who was born in Adelaide in 1843 had his birth registered there because the main office to register births etc was located in Adelaide. He may have died in Adelaide and is buried in West Terrace Cemetery.

Or perhaps Edward and Hannah Atkins moved back to the Clare Valley after his birth, and Henry Edward Atkins died in the Clare Valley. Possibly, his death was not recorded, because by the time government officials travelled to the Clare Valley to take statistics on births and deaths in the area it did not seem to be important to register his death or Edward Atkins missed the government officials when they were in the Clare Valley. Or if Henry Atkins died on his way home his body would have to be buried straight away. Consequently, no record would have been kept, not even a church record of his burial as no minister or priest was available to perform the rites.

Many children died as infants in the 1800s.  In some country areas, there was no church and thus no church cemetery to bury people. Many parents buried their infants close to where they lived in a simple grave marked with a wooden cross. These were called family plots and were scattered across the countryside. After a while the wooden cross weathered away and in the course of time the burial sites of people become forgotten and no records were kept until church cemeteries or council cemeteries were available to bury people.[3] Even if there was a cemetery, sometimes the only record which was kept was ‘Person buried lot etc” Some cemetery did not record full details of a person who was buried until much later. Thus, it would not be outside the realm of possibility that the first Henry Edward Atkins did die as an infant in 1843 and his death was never recorded, an event not uncommon for children during the early 1840s. A second son was born around 1850 and was called by the same name.

However there is another problem. The St Barnabas Church of England Baptismal Certificate Register has a record dated 1850 which shows: - “No name, child of Edward Atkins and Anne Atkins.[4]” (the name Anne can be interchangeable for Hannah much like the names of William and Bill can be) However, what does the record indicate:-

·       Is it a record for a second person called Henry Edward Atkins who was born c1850?

·       Is it a record of a still born hence “No Name” was recorded?

I suppose the answer is there is no answer, as frustrating as it is.

Above the Baptism Certificate of the first Henry Atkins

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[1] St Barnabas Church of England Burial Records Clare: Parish Records South Australian Genealogy & Heraldry Society.

[2] Adelaide Cemeteries Authority website.

[3] Jennifer Gagger Australian Colonial Medicine p 191-199

[4] Baptisms Records of St Barnabas Church of England Penwortham.

Family notices  and newspaper notices collected so far for the Atkins, McLeod, Puddy, Newberry, Pole, Ross families:

“Atkins.-On the 15^th November, 1891 at the residence of his son-in-law, Whyte Park, Wirrabara, Edward Atkins, aged 84 years. A colonist of over 50 years, leaving 1 son, 5 daughters, 47 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren to mourn their loss. Gloucestershire papers please copy”[1]

“Lewis-Griffiths, On the 30th July, at St. Mary's Church, Coring, by the Rev. L. W, Stanton, M.A., the Incumbent, Mr. George Lewis son of Mr. Peter Lewis of Mount Gambier, to Miss Sarah Barber Griffiths daughter of Mr. John Griffiths of Hampton, and granddaughter of Thomas Barber Jones, Esq, of Swansea, South Wales. Swansea papers please copy.”[2]

“ELECTORAL DISTRICT of the BURRA and CLARE. To G. C. HAWKER, Esq., J.P. We the undersigned, Electors of the District of the Burra and Clare entertain the highest regard for your political principle, and that from your extensive colonial experience, and being the advocate of the most liberal measures, we most respectfully invite you to be placed in nomination for the representation of our District. ''

“Edward Atkins”[3]

“Donald McKinnon”

“SPORTING.”

“WIRRABARRA RACES”

“The shearers' annual sports at Wirrabarra were held on Saturday, November 9th. The attendance was good, and a pleasant day was spent. Mr. Marshall acted as Starter, and Mr. A. Murray as Judge. The Stewards were selected from among the shearers. Subjoined is the program of the events. The last race was run during heavy rain. Wirrabarra Stakes”

“Mr. E. Atkins Bess 2 2”[4]

“Aitkens[5] on the 11^th March at the residence of her daughter, M Ross, Gladstone, Elizabeth Aitkens, nee Mashford, aged 89, late of Devon. England & NZ home papers please copy. A colonist of 52 years. At rest after suffering.”[6]

:- “We have to record the death on Monday last, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Ross, of Mrs Atkins, one of our oldest residents. The deceased arrived in South Australia on March 17^th 1847 in the “Princess Royal” and went to Booyoolee Station in 1856. She leaves one son Mr George Lewis and two daughters Mesdames Ross & Cox. The old lady was nearly 90 years old.”[7]

“NEWBERRY-ATKINS. -On the 24th December, Booleroo Station, North, by licence, by the Rev. James Read, Jasper Newberry, eldest son of Mr. William Newberry, Wiltshire, to Margaret Atkins.”[8]

Photo: Edward Atkins with Mary (left) and Elizabeth (right) circa: 1866.

“IN MEMORIAM.

NEWBERY:-In loving memory of our dear mother, who departed this life on 26th September[9], at Bangor. Two years ago. It is sad to recall it is a day of remembrance to all; so suddenly on us our sorrow fell. To part with one we loved so well. So dearly loved so sadly missed. Inserted by her sorrowing husband and sons and daughter.”[10]

“Pole. On the 25th May, at Glenorchy, near Wirrabara, John Pole in his 44th year, from the accidental discharge of a rifle, leaving a wife and nine children to mourn their loss. A resident of the district for many years.”[11]

“Hatch-Pole: on the 24^th November at the residence of Mr E. P. Puddy. White Park Forest Reserve by licence by R. C. Yeaman. Henry Hatch to Ann Pole both of Glenorchy.”[12]

“FATAL ACCIDENT AT GLENORCHY”.

“By Telegram September 8th”

“Port Germein”

“A fatal accident occurred at Glenorchy, near the Germein Gorge, last night. Mrs Hatch was driving home in a spring-cart which accidentally collided with a large stump. This overturned the vehicle and Mrs Hatch was killed on the spot. A son of the deceased, who was also in the trap, escaped unhurt.”[13]

 “A FATALITY NEAR PORT GERMEIN”.

“[By Telegraph.] Port Germein September 8th”.

“Mrs. Harry Hatch; of Glenorchy, was accidentally thrown from a spring-cart yesterday and killed. It is singular that the deceased's first husband, Mr. John Pole, of Glenorchy, was a few years ago killed near the same place by the accidentally discharge of a gun.”[14]

“FATAL SUNSTROKE.

 Port Germein, January 21”.

“Mr. William Pole, aged 22, was sun struck yesterday in the Port Germein Gorge, and died to-day, being the third of this family who have come to untimely ends in this locality. His father was accidentally shot, and his mother was thrown from a cart and killed.”[15]

“FATAL SUNSTROKES”

“[By Telegraph]”

“Wirrabara, January 21”

“A young man named William Pole, aged twenty-two years, had a sun stroke whilst at work at Back Creek yesterday afternoon, and died from the effects this morning. Port Germein, January 21st. Two cases of sunstroke have occurred at Bangor, near Port Germein. One terminal fatally: the other is recovering.”[16]

POLE: - On the 23rd January, at Wirrabara, Mrs. John Pole, of twin sons.[17]

POLE: - On the 13th December, at Glenorchy the wife of John Pole, of twins, son and daughter.[18]

“Charless-Pole.-On the 18th January, at the residence of the bride's uncle, by the Rev. U. H. Painter, Andrew William, eldest son of William Andrew Charless, Wareham, Dorsetshire, England, to Elizabeth eldest daughter of the late John Pole Glenorchy, Wirrabara.”[19]

“On the 6th October, at the residence of the bridegroom. Tumby Bay by the Rev. R. Marks. August Wilhelm Schreiber, to Emily Jane, third daughter of the late Mr. John Pole, of Wirrabara.”[20]

“STACEY: On the 26th December, at her father's residence, Bundaleer Springs, of diarrhea, Sarah Ann, the beloved daughter of James and Sarah Stacey, aged one year and nine months.”[21]

“STACEY: On the 18th January, at Bundaleer Springs, the infant son of James and Sarah Stacey, after a short illness, aged 2 years and 11 months.”[22]

“Puddy. In loving memory of our dear father and grandfather, died on the 23rd December, 1918, age 73 years. Empty is your corner, father. Vacant is your chair, when we go to visit home, father. That's the time we miss you there. We have lost, but heaven has gained. One of our best that earth contained; so dearly loved, so sadly missed. Inserted by his loving daughter and son-in-law Alice and William Dansie, and his loving grandchildren, Gertie, Stanley, and Hilda.”[23]

“Puddy. In loving memory of my dear father, Edward Puddy, who died on the 23rd December, 1918. A loving father, true and kind, no friend on earth like him we find, One year has passed, and none can tell the loss of a father we loved so well.

Inserted by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Hugh McKenzie.”[24]

“PUDDY: In loving memory of our dear husband and father; Edward Puddy, who died at Boolaroo Hospital, on the 23rd December, 1918, aged 73 years 10 months. One year of sorrow has passed since our great sorrow fell and in our hearts we mourn the lost of a father we loved so well.  I think I see your smile, dear father. Through the mist of falling tears, but the loved one's part is a broken- heart and a burden of lonely years. Inserted by his loving wife and family, Bangor.”[25]

“Lewis on the 14^th January at his mother’s residence, after a long and painful illness John Mashford Lewis Gladstone aged 37 years.  “For so he giveth his beloved sleep.”[26]

“Cox. On May 17th, at the residence of her daughter. Terowie. Elizabeth, relic of Henry Cox. Late of Gladstone. Aged 85 years.”[27]

“Mrs. Elizabeth Cox. One of Gladstone's oldest residents, died recently at the age of 85. She was born at Wirrabara. Those surviving are:—Mr. H. C. Cox (Wirrabara). Mrs. Mary Hales (Terowie). Mrs. Edith Medlin (Clarence Park) and Mr. J. M Cox (Terowie).—A Red Cross ball raised £20.”[28]

“Cox on the 18^th June at Wirrabara Henry Charles dearly-beloved husband of Elizabeth Cox aged 81 years late of Gladstone, leaving a wife, two sons, and 2 daughters to mourn their loss. English papers please copy.”[29]

“Atkins on 26^th April, at Bartelo Street. Percy Mashford, the dearly beloved son of Edward and Mary. A. Atkins of pneumonia aged 1 year and 10 months.”[30]

“IN MEMORIAN”

“Atkins-In loving memory of our dear father and grandfather, who passed away on August 9th 1940. Ever remembered by Eddie, Mavis and boys.”[31]

“ Atkins-In loving memory of Edward Atkins (Ted), the loving husband of Mary Atkins, Who passed away on August 9th 1940. In my garden of memory, I take a walk each day. Inserted by his loving wife, Mary.”[32]

“Aitkens[33] on the 11^th March at the residence of her daughter, M Ross, Gladstone, Elizabeth Aitkens, nee Mashford, aged 89, late of Devon. England & NZ home papers please copy. A colonist of 52 years. At rest after suffering.”[34]

“Mr “Jimmy” Atkins of Booyoolie who has been suffering a great deal during the past fortnight took such a bad turn on Sunday that his medical adviser ordered his removal to Jamestown Hospital. Up to the present there is no change in Mr Atkins’ condition, but we have hope soon to hear of a turn for the better in our popular townsman’s health.”[35]

Photo: James Haynes Atkins.

“It is with most sincere regret that we record the death of Mr "Jimmy" Atkins of this town. For a long time past the deceased had been unwell, but no serious results were anticipated until 2 or 3 weeks ago, when Dr Chanceller was called in and ordered his removal to the Jamestown Hospital. It was found, however, that nothing could be done and death ensued on Monday morning last, the cause of death being Tubercular Meningitis. The funeral on Tuesday was largely attended. The Rev T P Wood officiated and Mr Badgen read the Oddfellows Service. Members of the lodge served as bearers. "Jimmy" Atkins as he was generally known had been groom at Booyoolee Station for about 30yrs, and was much regarded by all classes of the community. He never missed an opportunity of doing a kindness and was loyal to his employer and his friends. His untimely death is much deplored. A widow and 10 children are left and we join with the many others in tendering to them our sincere sympathy. Mrs J H Atkins and family tender their sincere thanks to the many friends for their kindness and sympathy in their recent bereavement and especially to Mr C Bidge for arranging  the details of the funeral.”[36]

“GLADSTONE, September 17th”

“Regret is felt by all classes of the town, and district at the untimely death of Mr. 'Jimmy'. Atkins of Booyoolie Station, which occurred at the Jamestown Hospital yesterday.”[37]

“On the 13 Sept at the Jamestown Hospital James Haynes beloved husband of Annie Atkins of Booyoolie Aged 45years.”[38]

“We regret to record the death of Mrs Annie Atkins, relict of the late Mr James Atkins, which occurred at the residence of her daughter. Mrs M Sexton, Norwood, on Friday last. The deceased was a well-known and highly respected resident of Gladstone, where she had resided for about 49 years. The deceased, who had been in ill-health for the past two years, was born at Laura in September 1866*[39], and for about 30 years resided at Booyoolie Station where her late husband was employed for many years. The latter dying some twenty-three years ago. The deceased was a kindly disposition and had on numerous occasions rendered assistance in cases of sickness. One son, the late John Raymond Atkins was killed whilst on active service in the great War. The surviving members of the family being Haines Atkins (Port Pirie) Leslie Atkins (Broken Hill) Frank (Cyril) Atkins (Adelaide) and Laurie and Roy Atkins (Gladstone) Mesdames C Rearden (Hamley Bridge) J Madigan and V Robinson (Gladstone) and M Sexton (Norwood) There are 14 Grandchildren. The funeral took place on Saturday last. The remains being interred in the West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide. Much Sympathy is felt for the bereaved ones.”[40]

“Atkins:-In loving memory of our dear mother and Grandma Annie Atkins of Gladstone who passed away at Adelaide on the 2nd May 1930. Her days of pain and weary hours. Her sleepless nights are past. She suffered god only knows, but found sweet rest at last. One of the kindest, one of the best, a beautiful memory to us is left. Ever remembered by her loving son and daughter-in-law Haines and Ivy and grandson Colin Port Pirie.”[41]

ATKINS: In loving memory of our dear mother, who died on 2nd May 1930. Not a day do we forget her. In our hearts she is always near. We who loved her sadly miss her. As It dawns another year. Inserted by her loving daughters, Gladys and Lizzie.”[42]

“Atkins; in loving memory of our dear mother, who passed away on the 2nd May, 1930. Dearest of memories linger yet. Too dearly loved to ever forget. Ever remembered by her loving daughters, Lizzie and Gladys Atkins. A tribute of love, in memory of our dear mother, who passed away at Adelaide, on 2nd May 1930. Inserted by Ella and family, Roy and family.”[43]

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[1] South Australian Register Tuesday 22 December 1891 p3.

[2] South Australian Register Friday 2 August 1872 p 4

[3] South Australia register Friday 16 January 1857 p 9

[4] South Australia Register Tuesday 19^th November 1872 p3

[5] Note the different spelling of the last name.

[6] The Advertiser Thursday 18^th June 1908 p 6.

[7] The Areas Express & Farmers Journal. Friday May 15^th 1908.

[8] South Australian Register Tuesday 31^st December 1872.

[9] * Two different Newspapers record two different dates for Margaret Newbery’s death.

[10] Port Pirie Recorder and North Western Mail Saturday 27^th September 1913 p 1.

[11] South Australia Register Tuesday 2^nd June 1885 p 4.

[12] SA Register Wed 28^th Nov 1888 p4

[13] South Australia Register Monday 9^th September 1889 p5.

[14] The Advertiser Monday 9^th September 1889 p 5.

[15] The Advertiser 22nd January 1892 p5.

[16] South Australian Register Friday 22^nd January 1892 p 5.

[17] South Australian Register Wednesday 11 February 1874 p 4.

[18] South Australian Register Friday 22^nd December  1882 p 4.

[19] South Australia Register Saturday 21^st January 1888 p 4.

[20] The Advertiser Tuesday 13^th October 1908 p 6.

[21] South Australian Register Thursday 31^st December 1874 p 4

[22] South Australia Register Saturday 27^th January 1883 p 4

[23] The Advertise Tuesday 23 December 1919 p6

[24] The Advertise Tuesday 23 December 1919 p6

[25] The Register Tuesday 23 December 1916 p 6

[26] South Australian Advertiser Thurs 16^th February 1888 p 4.

[27] The Advertiser Tuesday 18^th May 1943 p6.

[28] The Advertiser Wednesday 26^th May 1943 p 3.

[29] Advertiser Wed 24 June 1908 p 6.

[30] Advertiser Sat 8^th May 1915. p14.

[31] The Advertiser Saturday 8 August 1942 p 10

[32] The Advertiser Saturday 8 August 1942 p 10

[33] Note the different spelling of the last name.

[34] The Advertiser Thursday 18^th June 1908 p 6.

[35] The Areas Express and Farmers Journal Friday September 13^th 1907.

[36] The Areas Express and Farmers Journal Friday September 20^th 1907.

[37] The Register Wednesday 18^th September 1907 p 9.

[38] The Areas Express and Farmers Journal Fri Sept 20 1907 (Page 150 Col D) 

[39]  Annie Atkins nee Clavin was not born at Laura, but Alma Plains. However, she was so young when she moved to Laura that her family who provided the information to the newspaper may have not known this information.

[40] The Areas Express and Farmers Journal Friday May 2^nd 1930.

[41] The Advertiser 2^nd May 1933 p 8.

[42] The Advertiser 2^nd May 1933. p 8
[43] The Advertiser Wednesday 2^nd May 1934 p 18.

Photo: Annie Clavin Atkins standing in front of the house on Booyoolie Station where she lived with her husband James Haynes Atkins.

The other thing mentioned of late is that George Lewis, the eldest son of Elizabeth Mashford and her first husband Peter Lewis, married a woman with illegitimate children. More to the point Kylie came up with information on George's daughter having four illegitimate children before she finally married which makes it harder to believe that Edward (Welsh) Atkins did not know he was illegitimate.

And in terms of Henry Edward being the one son mentioned in the obituary of his father, again, we really have no way of knowing although with the recorded deaths of two Henry Edward Atkins it is unlikely.

It is hard not to believe that the first Henry Edward died young and that perhaps there was another who also died as a child. Given the amount of information we have been able to find about Edward Atkins and the families of his first marriage it is difficult to see why Henry Edward would have disappeared so completely if indeed he did grow to be an adult. Then again, it is also possible and he may have been a black sheep.... perhaps trying to trace him through criminal records might be the way to go. If he had disconnected from the family in such a way it is still highly likely that if he were alive, he would be listed as the one son - particularly if there was only one son.

The only other most likely alternative is that he was dead and the one son was James Haynes Atkins. Or that there was another son born to Edward and Hannah and he remained alive.

The most outlandish conjecture would be that the one son was Edward (Welsh) Atkins who had been raised by his father and accepted by the family of the first marriage and so included in the obituary. Anything is possible. Although Edward did retain contact with and clearly acceptance by his mother's family with Charlie Ross.