Robert Thompson Walker (1811 - 1890)

Born 2 Nov 1811 in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland

Husband of Jane Harvey — married 20 Oct 1840 in Muckhart, Perthshire, Scotland

Descendants

Died 24 May 1890 at age 78 in Echuca, Victoria, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Emma Tweddell [send private message]

Timeline

1811: Nov 2nd, Born, Alloa, Scotland to Robert Walker, Ironmonger, and his wife, Margaret née Miller

-- Nov 4th, Baptism

1837: Jan 18th, Rev. Robert Thompson Walker, minister, ordained at Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland [26]

1840: Oct 20th, Marriage to Jane Harvey, Muckhart, Scotland [28] and

1841: Scotland census - June 6 living in Comrie, Perthshire

1843: First child, Robert Milroy born

1844: Nov 16, Chalmers Street Church, The Rev. R. T. Walker of Comrie was ordained^[1]

1845: First daughter, 2nd child, Elizabeth Beveridge born [34]

1847: 2nd daughter, 3rd child, Helen Smeillie born [36]

1849: 3rd daughter, 4th child, Margaret Lilias Walker born [38]

1851: Scotland Census -March 30/31 living at Boofies Brae in Dunfermline, Fife

1851: May 3rd, 2nd son, 5th child, James Harvey born

1853: 3rd son, 6th child, William Milroy Walker born (1853–1936)

1855: 4th son, 7th child, Alexander Walker born (1855–1922)

1857: 4th daughter, 8th child, Jane Georgina Isabella Walker born

1858: Resigned his charge as minister of Chalmers Street Church. Translated to Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Departed Liverpool Sep 8, arrived Hodson's Bay, Victoria, Dec 7 in the chief cabin of the Ellen Stewart with Jane and their 8 children [47]

1859: Manse in Drummond street was erected [48] -- Dec 7th, Wooden church on Armstrong St South officially opened

1860: 5th daughter and 9th child Jemimah born (1860-1935)

1861: Mr Walker and his Ballarat congregation formally received into the Presbytery and Mr Walker's name added to the roll of Presbytery [49]

1862: Dec 10th, Foundation stone laid for the bluestone Ebenezer United Presbyterian Church, Armstrong street, Ballarat [51]

1863: Jun 21st, The church was opened [51]

1864: Mr Walker's sister, Janet (1817-1886) and her husband, John Wardrope, and family emigrated to Australia aboard the Blanche Moore, with their six children (John, 22, lab; Margaret, 19; Agnes, 17; Georgina, 15; Helen, 11; Elizabeth, 7. They settled in Ballarat.

1867: Breach in the congregation, "owing to some difficulties which some time ago arose between him and his congregation in connection with a member of his family."[ref below] In August, Walker and his adherants leave Ebenezer UP Church and form a temporary congregation in the lecture-room of the Mechanics' Institute [56]

1869: Aug 6, Doveton Street Church, A Welsh Congregational Church completed in 1866 and built of brick, became the property of United Presbyterians, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. R.T. Walker [57] ^[2]

1874: In a letter to the editor of the Ballarat Courier, Mr Robert referred to himself as the Moderator for the General Assembly for the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, living in the Manse, Drummond St. Ballarat^[3]

1883: May, Unsuccessful attempt to remove Rev Walker (retired) and his wife from living in the Manse [71]

1886: Janet, Robert's younger sister, dies in nearby Clunes at the age of 69

1890: May 24th, Death from "senile debility inanition" (exhaustion caused by lack of nourishment) at his home on Nish St in Eucha, Victoria, at 78 years of age.

Biography

Robert was born 2nd November 1811 and baptized 4th November 1811.^[4] He arrived in Melbourne, Victoria December 6, 1858, with his wife and their eight children. Another child, Jemima, was born in Ballarat. As pastor of the congregation, Rev R T Walker laid the foundation stone for the United Presbyterian Church in Ballarat December 11, 1862. A document was placed under the foundation stone in a bottle, with the following transcript: The foundation stone of the Ebenezer United Presbyterian Church, Armstrong street, Ballarat, was laid on the tenth day of December, 1862, by the Rev. Robert Thompson Walker, minister, ordained at Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, eighteenth January, 1837, translated to Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland sixth November, 1844, and with concurrence of the Foreign Mission Committee of the United Presbyterian Church, and, at the call of the congregation here, translated to Ballarat, Victoria, December, 1858.^[5] His position as pastor of Ebenezer UP Church came to an end in August 1867. He is recorded as living in the Manse on Drummond street in Dec, 1874.^[6]. It seems there was an attempt to remove Mr Walker from the Manse in May 1883, which was revoked when Mr Walker pleaded his case.^[7]

Title and address: Robert T. Walker, moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria: Manse, Drummond street, Ballarat, 2nd December, 1874^[8] Robert Walker resided in Nish St, Echuca at the time of his death.^[9]

Sources

1. ↑ http://royaldunfermline.com/Resources/AN_EPITOME_OF_THE_HISTORY_OF_DUNFERMLINE.pdf, p.38
2. ↑ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112891355
3. ↑ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191560842
4. ↑ 04/11/1811 WALKER, ROBERT THOMSON (Old Parish Registers Births 465/ 60 126 Alloa) Page 126 of 278
5. ↑ EBENEZER UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (1862, December 11). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 - 1864), p. 1 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE STAR). Retrieved February 8, 2021
6. ↑ THE REV. R. T. WALKER IN REPLY (1874, December 11). The Ballarat Courier (Vic. : 1869 - 1884; 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved February 8, 2021
7. ↑ THE REV. R. T. WALKER’S CASE (1883, May 4). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 3. Retrieved February 8, 2021
8. ↑ THE REV. R. T. WALKER IN EXPLANATION (1874, December 3). The Ballarat Courier (Vic. : 1869 - 1884; 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved February 8, 2021
9. ↑ Family Notices (1890, May 27). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved February 8, 2021

• Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950 465/ 60 126 Alloa Page 126 of 278 04/11/1811 [B]
• Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950, FHL Film Number: 1040106 [Son James Harvey-Walker's birth reg]
• NSWBDM: 24859/1941 [Son James Harvey-Walker's death reg]
• Public Record Office Victoria; North Melbourne, Victoria; Inward Overseas Passenger Lists (British Ports) [Microfiche Copy of VPRS 947]; Series: VPRS 7666, Year Range per Reel: 1858
• "SHIPPING," The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) 8 December 1858: 4. Web. 8 Feb 2021
• VIC BDM: [D] 6981/1890 [purchased]
• Family Notices (1890, May 27). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 1. Retrieved February 9, 2021
• Withers, William Bramwell. History of Ballarat (version 1304971h.html). Project Gutenberg Australia. Ballarat, VIC: Niven, 1887
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/119923842/robert-thompson-walker : accessed 10 December 2021), memorial page for Robert Thompson Walker (2 Nov 1811–24 May 1890), Find A Grave: Memorial #119923842, citing Echuca Cemetery, Echuca, Campaspe Shire, Victoria, Australia ; Maintained by ra.underwood (contributor 48272230) . Gravestone picture
• Arrival of Ellen Stewart in Hobson's Bay Friday 10 Dec 1858, upwards of 350 passengers
• cabin passengers, Ellen Stewart, arrived Dec 10 1858
• Scottish BDM 1840/341 [m]

Research Notes

Need to clarify form of address for timeline - Mr Walker or Rev Walker. Newspapers refer to him as both and also the Rev Mr Walker.

There are two marriage certificates that are possible one in Muckhart the other in Comrie, both are for the same day with the same names. I chose Muckhart because it included United Presbyterian Congregation in the place description. From my map search, Comrie and Muckhart seem to be quite distinct places. Comrie is the place where Robert was ordained, according to the foundation stone placed at the Ebenezer United Presbyterian Church in Ballarat. Robert's son received two sacraments of marriage, one in the Catholic church and one at his father's home in Ballarat - is it possible that there was some reason for Robert and Jane to marry in both Comrie (Robert's place of ordination) and Muckhart (Jane's place of birth)?

The place of birth and parents' names are based on the birth certificate for Robert Thomson Walker (no P in Thompson).

At a subsequent stage of business, a deputation from the United Presbyterian Congregation of Ballarat, consisting of Rev R. T. Walker, and William Hunter, Elder, appeared in pursuance of a desire of the Ballarat Congregation, to be received into ecclesiastical connection with this Presbytery. All preliminary steps having been taken, the Presbytery proceeded to the gratifying duty of formally receiving Mr Walker and his congregation into connection. Mr Walker's name was accordingly added to the roll of Presbytery, and next meeting appointed to be held "CURRENT TOPICS." Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 - 1929) 16 March 1861: 2. Web. 8 Feb 202.

EBENEZER UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (1862, December 11). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 - 1864), p. 1 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE STAR). Retrieved February 8, 2021 The foundation stone of the new church for the use of the United Presbyterian Church in Ballarat, was laid at four o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, by the Rev. R. T. Walker, pastor of the congregation,

"UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH." Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 - 1929) 8 February 1862: 2. Web. 8 Feb 2021. Indicates Rev Robert Walker was minster of the United Presbyterian Church in Ballarat, Feb 1862

The temporary building in which they now meet was consequently erected, and having been completed on the twenty-sixth, was opened for public worship on the twenty-seventh of December, 1857 [...] The number of members on the roll on the arrival of Mr Walker, was fifty. Since then there have been added two hundred and twenty-eight. The number at present upon the roll, in full communion, is about two hundred. [...] the Manse in Drummond street was erected in 1859, (the improvements on this being valued at £1100) [...]The name Ebenezer is given to the building, as expressive of grateful feelings for the Divine goodness hitherto experienced by the congregation, and as fitted to be practically useful. [...] This congregation was the third he had had in charge, and he did not want to be called from it, but trusted to be happy with his people, and not leave them until he left them for a better state of being. [...] An old lady of his [Rey. James Henderson, of Geelong] acquaintance had expressed her surprise to him that "so good-looking a man as Mr Walker - so professional in his appearance-should be in such a place. (Laughter) EBENEZER UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (1862, December 11). The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 - 1864), p. 1 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE STAR). Retrieved February 8, 2021

"FAREWELL SOIREE TO THE REV. MARK WILKS BRADNEY." The Star (Ballarat, Vic. : 1855 - 1864) 8 December 1864: 1 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE STAR). Web. 8 Feb 2021. Indicates that Rev Walker was minister of the United Presbyterian Church in Armstrong street, Ballarat in 1864. There is evidence to suggest his involvement in the temperance movement in the article.

DAWSON STREET ACADEMY (1865, December 22). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 3. Retrieved February 8, 2021 Prize giving

The memorialists seeking that Mr Walker should be loosed from his charge retain the Church property, and the memorialists seeking Mr Walker's continuance retain the manse and grounds. Mr Walker and his adherents will meet for public worship on Sunday next, in the lecture-room of the Mechanics' Institute. Presbyterianism has not made much if any progress in Ballarat during the last few years. If a proper site be selected for the new church which it is in contemplation to erect, we have no doubt that both the church in Armstrong street and the new church that has just been formed will soon both be large and influential. It would have been a matter of regret if the services of a minister of such acquirements as Mr Walker possesses, had been lost to Ballarat." APA citation NEWS AND NOTES. (1867, August 31). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 2. Retrieved February 8, 2021.

There does not appear to be any probability of a healing of the breach between the Rev. R. T. Walker and the United Presbyterian congregation in Ebenezer Church. In fact, the separation has taken a kind of final shape, and the fifty-one of the congregation who accompany Mr Walker have undertaken the £500 liability resting on the manse, of which therefore Mr Walker remains the tenant, and his flock, we presume, the prospective owners. No minister has yet been placed by the Presbytery in charge of the Armstrong street church. NEWS AND NOTES. (1867, September 21). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 2. Retrieved February 8, 2021. See also, for corrections on value of Manse and Mr Walker's status as resident as well as the size of his adherents and congregation: NEWS AND NOTES. (1867, September 24). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 2. Retrieved February 8, 2021.

On 4th October a soiree was held in connection with the United Presbyterian Church, now assembling in the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute under the Rev. R. T. Walker. After tea, the pastor of the congregation addressed the meeting. He stated that he might almost have been tempted to have said something of the causes which had led to the separation of the congregation, but even though he disappointed some of them by not then entering into a statement of the case, he might at another time give a statement which would make a chapter in colonial church history. The reverend gentleman referred to the circumstances under which he had first undertaken the charge of the congregation and to various matters which afterwards occurred, and stated that nothing whatever had ever been brought against either his doctrine, or his character as a minister of the gospel. He stated that his congregation being divided into two bodies, and the one being stronger than the other, the weaker had taken the manse and the responsibility of five-fourteenths of the liabilities; and the stronger party the church, with the balance of the liabilities. The weaker party, under his ministrations, held their services in the institute for the present, but it was anticipated that they would soon be proceeding [http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112871485 SOCIAL. (1867, October 25). The Ballarat Star] (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 1 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE BALLARAT STAR). Retrieved February 8, 2021.

The Rev. R. T. Walker, who has for some years past officiated as the pastor of the Ebenezer United Presbyterian Church, Ballarat, has within the last few days been relieved from his duties by the Presbytery. The Star says that ' his retirement from the church, we are informed, has been owing to some difficulties which some time ago arose between him and his congregation in connection with a member of his family.' "COUNTRY NEWS." The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) 31 August 1867: 6. Web. 8 Feb 2021.

—A breach has taken place between the Rev. R. T. Walker, and the congregation of the United Presbyterian Church, Armstrong street, Ballarat, and a portion of the congregation has seceded with Mr Walker.— SOCIAL. (1867, September 26). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 4. Retrieved February 8, 2021.

Services in connection with the United Presbyterian Church of which Rev. R. T. Walker is pastor, will be held in the Welsh Chapel, Doveton street tomorrow. ' "NEWS AND NOTES." The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924) 21 August 1869: 2. Web. 8 Feb 2021. Still living in Ballarat in 1886 (though possibly in Webster St, not in the Manse on Drummond St) [ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6097874 BALLARAT. (1886, May 29). The Argus] (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 11. Retrieved February 9, 2021.

A telegram has bean received from Echuca, notifying the death of the Rev. R. T. Walker, formerly of this city. The deceased clergvman was at one time pastor of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, and resided at the Manse, Drummond street, for many years. Before going to Echuca, Mr Walker, whilst on the superannuation list, lived in Webster street. He was an earnest and faithful minister, and was esteemed and loved by his congregation. He leaves a widow and grown up family, one of his sons having been a member or the firm of Morey, Walker, and Co., in this city. No title (1890, May 27). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 2. Retrieved February 9, 2021.

Ebenezer, United Presbyterian, in Armstrong street south, built of basaltic stone, and designed by H.R. Caselli, was begun on the 10th of December, 1862, the minister of the congregation at that time, the Rev. R.T. Walker, laying the foundation stone. The church was opened on the 21st of June, 1863. Some church additions and a manse have since then been erected. Doveton Street Church, United Presbyterian, built of brick in 1866, and opened in June of that year, was then a Welsh Congregational Church, designed by Carpenters T. Lewis and J. Thomas. It became the property of United Presbyterians, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. R.T. Walker, who opened his pastorate there on the 15th of August, 1869. The building has long ceased to be a church, and is now a hall for secular uses. [...] The Welsh Presbyterians have one church. It is in Albert street, Sebastopol, is built of basaltic stone, and was designed by H.R. Caselli, the foundation stone being laid on the 3rd of March, 1865, by Mary, wife of Ellis Richards, a deacon of the church. The church was opened on the second Sunday in April, 1866, by the Revs. R.T. Walker and W. Henderson in the English language, and on the next Sunday by the Revs. Messrs. W.M. Evans, Farr, Roberts, and J. Evans in the Welsh language.

Title: The History of Ballarat, from the First Pastoral Settlement to the Present Time. Author: William Bramwell Withers.

• A Project Gutenberg of Australia eBook *

eBook No.: 1304971h.html Language: English Date first posted: August 2013

The Ebenezer Presbyterian Church was born out of the early missionary work of the Presbyterian Church in the gold rush that followed the first “Gold Find” in 1851.

On Sunday 16th February 1857, Rev James Ballantyne of the United Presbyterian Church conducted a temperance mission in Ballarat East. When this mission finished Ralph Gray approached him, with a few friends, who expressed a sincere interest in having a minister settle over them.

In early March, at Mr. Gray’s home, a congregation was constituted and a committee formed to prosecute the purchase of suitable land for a church building and manse. A request was sent to the Board of Foreign Missions of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland for an appropriate minister. Land was purchased in Armstrong Street South and a wooden church built at a cost of £600. This building was officially opened on 7th December 1857. The congregation quickly outgrew this structure and the present bluestone church building was built in 1862. The Sunday School Hall and Classrooms were added in 1892. [Walker died in 1890] K. Harris, church historian, revised 2014. https://ebenezerpc.org.au/who-we-are/

Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh visited [Ballarat] between 9 and 13 December 1867 and as the first royal visit, the occasion was met with great fanfare.[24] The Prince Room was prepared at Craigs Royal Hotel for his stay.[25] The city's first civic centre—Prince Alfred Hall—erected over the Yarrowee between the two municipalities, was named in his honour during his visit. The later attempt by Ballaratian Henry James O'Farrell to assassinate the Prince was met with shock and great horror from locals. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballarat#Gold_rush_era

The Chalmers Street Church, in which RT Thompson was ordained, was demolished shortly after 1962. RT Thompson was minister of the that church until he resigned in 1858.

In 1892 all Victorian census records were pulped - to find residential and occupational information use other sources

Thanks to Angela and Keith Thomas for information regarding the Wardropes' emigration to Australia and their connection with the Walkers.

Daughter Helen Smelie Harvey Walker married William Henderson 10 Aug 1866, Ballarat, Vic, Aus Is this Henderson related to the Presbyterian minister cited in this history: https://bcuc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/St-Andrews-Kirk-Ballarat-History.pdf