Sunday, August 15, 2021

ATKINS

 

John Atkins and Hannah Atkins nee Shaw
Source: Photo, S Yeo, reproduced in “Tales of Tucklan and the Stringy Bark Goldfields” compiled and written by Anne Watts – W. A. Graham M.B.E. and Debbie Robbins.

Hannah Shaw was born in Carcoar to William and Mary Sarah A Shaw in 1858.
John Atkins married Hannah Shaw in the Dubbo region in 1878. They reared a family of ten children.
The children were:
  • John (1880 - 1942)
  • Elizabeth (1881)
  • William (1883)
  • Robert G (1887)
  • Ada Amelia (1889)
  • Walter E (1891)
  • Daisy G (1894)
  • Rose H (1896)
  • Violet M (1900)
  • Jane B (1901)
Hannah Atkins came to the Tucklan district with her husband, John, in 1906. They lived in a cottage on their son's property, then named Diamond Villa (later called Glen Athol). 

Granny Atkins, as Hannah became lovingly known. provided relief to hundreds of sick people over the years. Her mother, Sarah, had performed a similar role in her early years in the Dubbo district. Hannah treated Tucklan's accident victims and assisted in the births of countless babies. Day or night, she would saddle a horse or travel by sulky to tend those in need.

John and Hannah Atkins
Source: Photo, S Yeo, reproduced in “Tales of Tucklan and the Stringy Bark Goldfields” compiled and written by Anne Watts – W. A. Graham M.B.E. and Debbie Robbins.

John Atkins Jnr, the son that John and Hannah left Beni to live with was set up in Tucklan. He was born on 26 Jan 1880 in Beni, near Dubbo. John Jnr married Lillian May (Alsop) Atkins in 1905 in Gulgong. Their children were:
John Jnr died 3 Feb 1942 in 16 Yarran Rd, Oatley, NSW.
Source: Wikitree

ATKINS FAMILY in the NEWS

1899 - [LIFE IN BENI]
John Atkins was active in the Beni Progress Committee in May 1899.
Moved by Mr. J. Atkins, seconded by Mr. J, Donnelly, "That the member for the electorate be requested to take steps to have a culvert, with fenced off approaches, erected over the hugest wash-away across the main road between Mr. Donnelly's and Mr. Tebbutt's, and to have the smaller wash-away filled in."

John Atkins then submitted his resignation in September 1899.
Source: Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) Fri 1 Sep 1899 Page 4

1904 - [ROAD CROSSING]
Moved by Mr. P. Carolan, and seconded by Mr. J. Atkins, "That the Secretary write to Mr. J. Acourt, asking for certain information re the road across the Talbragar River near his land." Carried.

1905 - [MOVING SALE]
Mr. J. Atkins, of Spring Valley, Beni, advertises a farm for sale. It is situated on Beni Creek, eleven miles from Dubbo, and comprises 100 acres c.p., 300 acres c.l.
Source: The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954) Wed 8 Mar 1905 Page 3

1911 - Renewals (of subscriptions to The Farmer and Settler)
Atkins, J., senr., Tucklan, via Gulgong, to 25/2/12 ...... . . 5 0
Source: The Farmer and Settler (Sydney, NSW : 1906 - 1955) Fri 10 Mar 1911 Page 8

Rents per acre for the undermentioned conditional leases have been determined as follows: —
John Atkins, jun. (Tucklan), 350¼ acres, county Lincoln, parish Yarrow, 10½d;
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 21 Mar 1912 Page 28

1916 - [NEW CARS]
Messrs. Jas. Loneragan, Ltd., of Gulgong, who are district agents for the well-known Ford motor car,advise that this month they have sold three more Fords, viz., a very handsome Australian body in French grey, richly upholstered in red, to Mr. J. N. Spears, Gulgong, and a Canadian body touring car each to Sir. G. W. Craft, Tucklan, and Mr. J John Atkins, jun., Tucklan. Cars are becoming an every day possession of the farmers of the north west; This betokens prosperity and up-to-dateness.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 30 Mar 1916 Page 9

1917 - WEDDING: NOTT—ATKINS.
A quiet but pretty wedding took place at the Union Church, Tallewang, on Wednesday, April 25, when Walter, son of Mr. Charles Nott, of ''Oakfield,'' Dunedoo, was married to Violent May, daughter of Mr. J. Atkins, sen., of ''Dimondulla,'' Tucklan. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. L. A. Marina, of Gulgong.
The bride, who was given away by her brother, looked very nice in a pinafore frock of crepe de chine over pink ninon, with lace overall trimming. She also wore the customary wreath and veil, and carried a shower bouquet, which was the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaid, Miss R. Atkins was attired in shell pink crystaline, with hat to match, and carried a bouquet of white and pink flowers. Mr. Albert Nott filled the role of best man.
After the ceremony the wedding party adjourned to the residence of the bride's parents, where the wedding breakfast was served, and the usual toasts proposed and honored. About 50 guests were in attendance to extend facilitations and congratulations to the happy couple, who were the recipients of many useful and costly presents, including several cheques. Their future home will be at Tallewang.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 3 May 1917 Page 28

1917 - Ball
A ball held at Mr. J. Atkins', jun., shed, in aid of the widow and family of Gunner White, of Dunedoo (who was killed in action), proved a success. A good sum was realised.
Source :Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 28 Jun 1917 Page 25

1918 - [FUNDRAISING]
At a meeting held at the tennis court on Sunday afternoon, it was decided to Hold a social at Mr. J. Atkins's to raise further funds in connection with the recent anti-conscription campaign.

1918 - [DEATH OF HANNAH's MOTHER]
Death of an Old District Resident. A very old and respected resident of the Dubbo district, in the person of Mrs. W. Shaw, passed away at her residence, Cambridge street, Paddington, on 28th February, from a paralytic stroke, at the ripe old age of 78 years. She spent 59 years of her life about Beni, Talbragar and Jones' Creek. In her early days she relieved many a sufferer by her kindness and attention, and she was ever ready to answer the call of anyone in sickness or trouble. She leaves a husband, four sons and five daughters to mourn her loss; also 30 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Her sons are Messrs. H. Shaw (Mogriguy), W. E. Shaw (Roma, Queensland), Chas. Shaw (Parramatta), and George Shaw ("Wattle Dale," Jones' Creek); and the daughters Mesdames J. Tumpane and R. Charles (Mogo Forest), Mrs. J. Atkins [Hannah] (Juttlan, near Cobbora), Mrs. McPherson (Surrey Hills), and Mrs. W. Sharp (Sydney). Deep sympathy is expressed for Mr. Shaw and family.

1918 - [ROBERT ATKINS]
Mr. Robert Atkins, one time of Tucklan, is at present on a visit to his parents. Mr. and Mrs. J. Atkins. sen. Mr. Robert Atkins has just arrived from America where he has been living for some years.

1919 - [SCRUB CLEARING]
Messrs. W. Atkins and H. Talbot have completed a contract of scrub cutting on Mr. Williams', property which, since sufficiently dried, have been fire burned, leaving what was a dense Tucklan scrub a clean open flat. The rabbits have had rather a hot time of it too.
Source :Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 20 Mar 1919 Page 13


1919 - Clearing Sale.
At "Diamond Ville," TUCKLAN. Saturday, 15th Nov., 1919, Commencing at 2 p.m. sharp. Stone & Hargreaves HAVE received instructions from Mr. John Atkins, Senior, to sell by Public Auction, his complete plant of Farming Machinery, all of which is in first-class order.
Particulars will appear in a later issue. STONE & HARGREAVES, Auctioneers, Stock & Station Agents, Birriwa.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 10 Apr 1922 Page 7

1923 - MORE DODGES.
Jas. Loneragan (Gulgong) Co. inform us that they recently sold Dodge cars to John Atkins, Tucklan;
R. Lund, Birriwa; L. C. Lynch, Wellington; Mrs. H. A .Croft, Gulgong; Mrs. C. E. Brien, Wellington; B. E. Honeysett, Gulgong; K. W. Payne, Boorandi, Mullaley.
Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Mon 17 Dec 1923 Page 2

1924 - PRELIMINARY NOTICE.
BIG UNRESERVED Clearing Sale, Tucklan, near Dunedoo Saturday. 16th February, 1924
SHEEP, CATTLE, HORSES. FARMING PLANT, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE AND EFFECTS,
0. L. HILLINGS & CO. LTD. Auctioneers, Dunedoo HAVE been favored with instructions from Mr. John Atkins, jnr., to sell at his residence on the date above mentioned, all his Stock, Farming Plant, Furniture, &c., particulars of which will be fully advertised next issue.
This is a genuine, unreserved sale, as Mr. Atkins has leased his property and is leaving the district.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 24 Jan 1924 Page 19

1924 - [MERRYGOEN HOTEL]
Mr J. Atkins, jnr., who leased his property at Tucklan a few months ago, is now installed as proprietor of the Merrygoen Hotel. He has dropped into the hotel business very quickly and attends to the bar well, while, his wife and daughters look after the requirements of the house excellently.

1925 - PRELIMINARY NOTICE
Unreserved Clearing Out Sale At Tucklan SATURDAY, 28th FEBRUARY, 1925 commencing at 12.30 p.m. 0. L. Milling & Co. Ltd HAVE received instructions from Mr. W. E. Atkins, of Tucklan, to sell by auction on the 28th FEBRUARY, 1925, commencing at 12.30 p.m., THE WHOLE OF HIS HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, FARMING PLANT AND MACHINERY, FARM HORSES, and about 25 FAT WETHERS. Full particulars will be advertised in later issues.
O. L. MILLING & CO., LTD., Auctioneers, Dunedoo.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 16 Feb 1925 Page 12

1925 - ROYAL HOTEL, COOLAH
W. E. ATKINS (late of Tucklan) has taken over the Royal Hotel Coolah, and intends to maintain the highest standard in every direction. This means that the Bar will be stocked with large quantities of the best quality of Liquors, the Cuisine arrangements highly satisfactory, and the Bedrooms clean, fresh and comfortable.
The general public will find this Hotel everything to be desired. The new proprietor is well known in the Gulgong, Dunedoo and Cobbora district, and visitors from those centres should not fail to visit the Royal Hotel when in Coolah. Telephone 2 Coolah.

1926 - [DEATH]
The death occurred on June 10, at Kogarah Hospital of Mr. Spencer Alsop, of Rosa St. Oatley, aged 70 years, an old resident of the Dunedoo and Tucklan districts for many years. The cause of death was enlargement of the liver, and heart trouble. He leaves a widow and grown up family to mourn his loss: Miss Maggie, (Manilla,) Miss Grace, (Coogee), Mrs. A Cheyne (Oatley) and Mrs. J. Atkins [Jnr], (Merrygoen) daughters, and three sons: Joseph, George (Glen Innes), Frederick, (Manilla). The deepest sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family. The remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the Woronora cemetery.

1928 - WEDDING. YEO—ATKINS.
At St. Luke's Church of England, Gulgong, on Monday morning last an interesting wedding ceremony was performed when Miss Jean B. Atkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Atkins, of Tucklan, was married to Mr. William John Yeo, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Yeo, of "Wattle Vale," Dunedoo. The Rev. L. V. Caldwell officiated.
The bride who was given away by her father, looked delightfully charming in a frock of figured morocain, French lace, and posy trimmings, wearing the customary wreath and veil. Miss Rosy Atkins, (sister of the bride,) was bridesmaid, and wore a pretty frock of shell pink georgette with coffee medallion trimmings. Mr. Ray Inder acted as best man.
After the wedding an adjournment was made to the Gulgong Town Hall for the reception. The catering was in the capable hands of Mrs. Percy Boyd. The Rev. L. V. Caldwell presided and proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom. He said the name of Yeo was a fairly old and respected one in this district. It was safe in the hands of the bride and bridegroom. The toast was honored to the accompaniment of "For they are Jolly Good Fellows."
The bridegroom responded and proposed the toast of the bridesmaid. Mr. R. Inder responded on behalf of the bridesmaid. Mr. H. Evans proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom's parents. He said it filled them with great pride to see two old families joined together.
The toast of the Press was proposed by the chairman and was responded to by Mr. T. Amies (Gulgong Advertiser and Mudgee Guardian.) Later the happy couple left to spend the honeymoon on a motor tour, the bride's dress being of bois de rose crepe de chene. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a decanter and set of cut crystal and to the bridesmaid a string of pearls. The bride's present to the bridegroom was a set of brushes.
Mr. and Mrs. Yeo will take up residence in Dunedoo district.

1931 - PLEASANT FUNCTION
A pleasant reunion and family gathering took place on January 30 at 'Glen Athol,' Tucklan, on the occasion of Mr. John Atkins' eightieth birthday. A presentation birthday cake from the members of the family, adorned with eighty candles, graced the festive board.
Seven of the family of four sons and six daughters were present, including Robert (Coonabarabran)
and Mrs. Bracken and Mrs. Martin (Dubbo). Mrs. H. Talbot was unavoidably detained at Manilla.
Mr. and Mrs. Atkins are both natives of the district, and are also well and favorably known in the
Wellington and Dubbo districts. Two years ago they celebrated their golden wedding.

1931 - TUCKLAN VETERAN ILL.
Mr John Atkins Senr., Tucklan's grand old man, is at present an inmate of the Gulgong Hospital. When he entered the institution grave results were feared but despite the fact that he is eighty years of age his condition is improving.

1934 - INDIGNATION - Tucklan-Road
RESIDENTS of Tucklan and those living between Tucklan and Dunedoo are indignant at the state of the road from Dunedoo to Tucklan and back via "Avoca" to the Dunedoo-Cobbora road. Mr Jim Craft told the Shire Councillors, when they visited Dunedoo, that he and his brother, and Mr J. Atkins, were responsible for the clearing of the road 32 years ago, since when he estimates he has spent £100 on the road. Now the council refuses to do anything to it.
Other ratepayers feel the position also. It is stated that some parts have never been attended to. The council promised to inspect the road in the near future.

1934 - ILL
MR John Atkins snr. of Tucklan, has not been well of late. At one time last week all his family, were summoned, as the old gentleman was not expected to live, but he has since taken a change for the better, although he is still very weak.
Mr Atkins is an old district, identity and is over 80 years of age. His many friends sincerely hope that he regains his former strength before very long.

1935 - [VISIT TO DUBBO]
Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Atkins, of Dunedoo, are visiting, their daughter, Mrs. Braken, of Cobborah Street, for a fortnight's holiday. The veteran is 84 years of age. In the early days he was on the land at Beni, prior to going to Dunedoo. He is hale and hearty for his advanced years, and is quite happy with his children, grand and great-grands. The venerable settler has a great stock of early history.

1935 - [BACK TO TUCKLAN]
MR. J. Atkins, who was licensee of the Hotel Dunedoo some years ago, is to go on the land again shortly at Tucklan.

1937 - OBITUARY - Mr. John Atkins
THE death occurred on Friday last in the Gulgong District Hospital, of Mr John Atkins, of Tucklan, at the age of 86. Mr Atkins was born at Wellington, N.S.W., but had lived in the Dunedoo district for over 30 years. Mr Atkins, one of the pioneers, leaves to mourn, his wife and children, 39 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. This is the first break in the large family. His one brother, Mr William Atkins, resides at Nevertire.
The children are Messrs John (Dunedoo), Walter (Boggabri), William (Brisbane), Robert (Neilrex), Mrs Bracken (Dubbo), Mrs Martin (Dubbo), Mrs Talbot (Tooraweenah), Mrs Hobby (Coolah), Mrs W. Nott (Mudgee), and Mrs W. Yeo (Dunedoo).
The funeral took place in the Church of England portion of the Dunedoo Cemetery, Rev. R. Douglas officiating at the graveside. Arrangements were in the hands of Mr R. S. Bayliss, Gulgong.
Our sympathy is extended to the bereaved relatives and friends.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 7 Jul 1938 Page 5

1938 - [NEW LESSEE]
Mr R. Hollow, Jnr„ will next week take over a lease of Mr John Atkins' 'Glen Athol' property at Tucklan.

1938 - CYCLED TO SYDNEY.
Fourteen-years-old Athol Atkins, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Atkins, formerly of Tucklan, but who recently leased their property there to go to Sydney, travelled to his new home by bicycle. Leaving Dunedoo on his bicycle, he travelled to Mudgee on ths first day. His second day took him to Katoomba, the third day to Parramatta, and his final stage was to Newtown. Athol did not do the distance in four days consecutively, but spent a few days at each of the places where he stopped. However, that in no way detracts from his effort. Under other circumstances such a feat would have
received much publicity in the columns of the city press.

1939 - SAWMILL TRAGEDY - Shocking Death
WILLIAM Shaw, 72, believed to be a brother of Mrs Hannah Atkins, Dunedoo, was shockingly mutilated when he was drawn across a revolving racksaw at Wolvi sawmill, near Gympie (Queensland), on Friday, July 7. He died almost immediately.
Mrs Atkins believes the man is her brother. She has not seen her brother in 42 years. He left Beni, 10 miles from Dubbo, 42 years ago, and went to New Guinea. There he contracted ague and fever. He left New Guinea when he had recovered and went to Queensland, where he met and married a widow, a hotelkeeper.
Although she has made enquiries before, and although she corresponded with her brother for some time, Mrs Atkins did not realise where he was until she read of his shocking death in the "Australian Worker." The "Guardian" is making further enquiries on Mrs Atkins' behalf, to ascertain if the man who met so tragic a death is her brother.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 3 Aug 1939 Page 9

1941 - [HANNAH TURNS 83]
Mrs. Hannah Atkins, who is 83 (her birthday was on Christmas Day), seems still as hale and hearty as ever. 'I can walk a mile yet,' she told me last week. And she seems quite able to do it, too. One of her daughters, Mrs. C. Hobby, was over from Hargraves the other day, also a grand-daughter from Sydney.

1941 - [HANNAH & DAUGHTERS]
Staying with her daughters Mrs. E. Bracken and Mrs. S. Martin, and sister Mrs. R. Charles, is Mrs. J. Atkins [Hannah], of Dunedoo, formerly of Cobbora and Beni. The grand old lady, who admits 83 summers, was born at Carcoar, and is enjoying herself renewing old friendships here.

1942 - [DEATH OF JOHN ATKINS JNR]
The death occurred in Sydney recently of Mr. John Atkin at the age of 62 years. Deceased was born at Beni, near Dubbo, but went with his parents to Tucklan when he was a small boy[sic] and resided there up to about three years ago, when he leased his property and made his home at Oatley, a suburb of Sydney.
For a time he conducted the Hotel Dunedoo at Dunedoo. Deceased had been suffering with heart trouble, and when the news was received at his home that a son, Private L. Atkins, was missing in Malaya, it is thought the shock was to a large extent responsible for his end. Mrs. H. Talbot, of
Toorawenah, is a sister to deceased.
Source: Gilgandra Weekly and Castlereagh (NSW : 1929 - 1942) Thu 12 Feb 1942 Page 2

1942 - [DEATH]
Mr. John Atkins, of Oatley, a former resident of Tucklan and Dunedoo, died suddenly quite recently, aged 62 years. Mrs. Alf. Saunders (daughter-in-law of Mr. W. A. Saunders, of Gulgong), whose husband is with the A.I.F. abroad, is a daughter of deceased; also Mrs. H. L. Fenton, of Birriwa.
A sorrowing widow also survives. Our sympathy is extended to them. A day or two before his death. Mr. Atkins received word that his son, Pte. L. Atkins, was missing in Malaya, and it is believed that the shock was to a large extent responsible for his death. The late Mr. Atkins was a fine type and extremely well liked.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 12 Feb 1942 Page 13

1947 - [HANNAH TURNS 89]
Mrs. Hannah Atkins, one of the pioneers of the Dunedoo district, celebrated her 89th birthday on Thursday last, 2nd January.
Members of her family gathered at her home in Cobbora Street [Dunedoo] during the afternoon for the occasion. We join with her friends in wishing her many happy returns of the day.

1948 - [GLEN ATHOL]
Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Atkins have purchased that well-known property, 'Glen Athol,' Tucklan, previously owned by the former's brother, Mr. John Atkins. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins left the Dunedoo district in 1925 to go into the hotel business, but after four years went back on to the land, at Boggabri, where they stayed for 16 years.
They will be living in Dunedoo for the next 12 months, together with their son, Lorry, who is suffering from acute rheumatoid arthritis. It is to be hoped that the Dunedoo climate will greatly improve his health.

Hannah Atkins died in Dunedoo in 1949 aged 90.
Source: BDM
Posted by at