James Henderson Robb (1838 - 1926)

Born 1 Jan 1838 in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Died 19 Nov 1926 at age 88 in Queensland, Australia

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Biography

In the 1841 Census, at Redhouse, Rathen, Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON James M 55 Shoemaker Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON Helen F 45 Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON Betrich F 20 Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON Anne F 15 Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON Isabell F 15 Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON William M 15 Clerk Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON James M 12 Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON Andrew M 9 Aberdeenshire

HENDERSON John M 7 Aberdeenshire

MCKAY Andrew M 15 Shoemaker Apprentice Aberdeenshire

EWARDEN James M 15 Shoemaker Apprentice Aberdeenshire

GIBSON George M 15 Shoemaker Apprentice Aberdeenshire

RANKEN William M 25 Shoemaker Journeyman Aberdeenshire

ROBB James M 25 Ag. Labourer Aberdeenshire

ROBB Margaret F 20 Ag Lab's Wife Aberdeenshire

ROBB Mary F 15 Female Servant Aberdeenshire

ROBB James H. M 2 Aberdeenshire

ROBB William M 4m Aberdeenshire

WISELY Jean F 15 Female Servant Aberdeenshire

GREIG Alexr M 15 Ag. Labourer Aberdeenshire^[1]

In the 1851 Census, at Rattray Farm, Crimond, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

HENDERSON James Head M M 66 Farmer 130 Acres Aberdeenshire Aberdour Employs 9 Ag Labs & 3 Women (Out & In)

HENDERSON Helen Wife M F 56 Farmer's Wife Aberdeenshire Aberdour

HENDERSON Ann Dau U F 29 Farmer's Dau Aberdeenshire Aberdour

HENDERSON James Son U M 23 Farmer's Son Emp At Home Aberdeenshire Aberdour

HENDERSON Andrew Son U M 19 Farmer's Son Emp At Home Aberdeenshire Aberdour

ROBB James Sonlaw W M 39 Farmers Labourer Aberdeenshire Aberdour

ROBB James Grnson U M 12 Scholar Aberdeenshire Fraserburgh

ROBB William Grnson U M 10 Scholar Aberdeenshire Aberdour

ROBB Andrew Grnson U M 7 Scholar Aberdeenshire Aberdour^[2]

James emigrated to Australia in 1861 with his brother Andrew Henderson Robb and his cousin Andrew Henderson. (See Andrew's obituary.)

Death registration in Queensland, Australia:

James Robb

Death date:19/11/1926

Mother's name:Margaret Henderson

Father/parent's name:James Robb

Registration details:1926/C/4405^[3].

Death Notice: "Mr. James Robb, one of the oldest residents of Mackay, passed away yesterday. The funeral will move from the residence of Mrs. W. S. Cameron, Gregory-street, at 3.30 p.m. to-day." ^[4]

Obituary: "The late Mr. James Robb, whose, funeral took place on Saturday afternoon was one of the earliest pioneers of Mackay. He arrived in Brisbane from Scotland in 1860 and shortly after travelled overland from Rockhampton accompanied by his uncle, the late Andrew Henderson, and together after many difficulties they arrived at Connor's Range, subsequently reaching where Mackay now stands. An account of his early reminiscences was given in our "Jubilee" number, and makes very interesting reading for any who desires to learn about the early days of Mackay. He assisted in many ways to build up this rising township at the time and when sugar cane was introduced, took a prominent part by erecting a small wooden mill to treat his cane. This mill was built on the bank of the Lagoons, near the present Experiment Station. This venture, however, did not meet with much success, as the mill was burnt to the ground. While living at the Lagoons he erected a bridge there which stood for many years and was known as "Robb's Bridge." When the gold rushes broke out in the north, his adventurous spirit again asserted itself and he travelled overland to the Cape River and afterwards to Charters Towers. He took part in the development of the new country in and around Townsville and the Towers and was well known throughout the north of Queensland. His eyesight failing, he returned to Mackay in the year 1910 and has since resided with his cousin, Mrs W. S. Cameron. Being of a quiet and retiring disposition, he has lived a secluded life, but until recent years took a keen interest in the events of the day. Death claimed him at the ripe old age of eighty eight years. He was within a few weeks of his eighty-ninth birthday, and was very proud to relate his early experiences to visiting friends. Mr. Andrew Robb of Black Jack, Charters, is a brother; Mrs. W. H. Williams, now of Wynnum, Brisbane, is a sister. Both are well advanced in years." ^[5]

He is buried in Mackay City Cemetery, Queensland. ^[6]

Sources

1. ↑ ["Scottish General Register Office: 1841 Census Returns database, FreeCEN (https://www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/5a14008af4040b9d6ee46ef7 : viewed 18 Jan 2022), William ROBB in household of James HENDERSON, Redhouse, Rathen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; from 1841 "England, Scotland and Wales census," database and images; citing The National Archives HO 107/235, Folio 4, Page 1, Schedule , The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.]
2. ↑ ["Scottish General Register Office: 1851 Census Returns database, FreeCEN (https://www.freecen.org.uk/search_records/59026573e9379091b1c4e263 : viewed 17 Jan 2022), Andrew ROBB in household of James HENDERSON, Rattray Farm, Crimond, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; from 1851 "England, Scotland and Wales census," database and images; citing The National Archives /184, Folio 179, Page 6, Schedule 19, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.]
3. ↑ Queensland Death Registry
4. ↑ Death Notice: "Personal." Daily Mercury (Mackay, Qld. : 1906 - 1954) 20 November 1926: 10. Web. 17 May 2023 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169845114>.
5. ↑ Obituary: "Personal." Daily Mercury (Mackay, Qld. : 1906 - 1954) 22 November 1926: 7. Web. 17 May 2023 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169843034>.
6. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/193789062/james-henderson-robb: accessed 17 May 2023), memorial page for James Henderson Robb (1 Jan 1838–19 Nov 1926), Find a Grave Memorial ID 193789062, citing Mackay City Cemetery, Mackay, Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia; Maintained by Random Person (contributor 49252658).