Alfred James Birks (1874 - 1916)

Ancestors

Biography

The death is announced at the age of 42 years of Mr. Alfred James Birks, the third son of the late Mr . George Napier Birks, a well-known Adelaide chemist, and of Mrs. H. R. Birks, of Wood street, Millswood. The late Mr. Birks left South Australia about 23 years ago for Paraguay, and had lived in America until his death. He practised dentistry for seven years at Bilia Rica. Paraguay, and subsequently went to Philadelphia for four years, where he continued his profession and also married. About eight years ago he returned to Paraguay and again opened a dental surgery. He has left a widow, two sons, and a daughter. A brother, Mr. W. K. Birks, is at Bia Blanco, in the Argentine. ^[1]

A painful sensation has been caused throughout Paraguay at the news that Dr. Birks, third son of the late Mr. George Napier Birks, of Adelaide, had suddenly expired. On Monday, January 9, the deceased had attended at his surgery, apparently in his usual health. After dinner, while giving domestic instructions to a servant, he fell from bis chair and died in a few minutes before medical aid could be summoned. The doctor was on the eve of making a visit to his wife and three children, who reside in the United States. The fact that he had already arranged his passage and was eagerly counting the days to the reunion adds to the poignancy of his tragic end. Dr. Birks was born in Ade laide 42 years ago. As a young man he emigrated to the Australian colony in Paraguay. However, his scientific bent led him to give up agriculture and he proceeded to the United States, where he took his degree as dentist. He began practicing at Villa Rica, and his professional fame was such that wealthy Paraguayans often travelled the eight hours' journey from the capital in order to pro cure his services. Later he moved into Asuncion, and immediately took a leading place among his colleagues. Dr. Birks always earnestly protested that "service to the community" should be the all in all of any professional man — the first and final consideration. Certainly that theirs was exemplified in his own practice. No one could be too poor to have the benefit of his skill, and the proud patron had to wait his turn with the penarious "peon." The deceased was the President of the English Lawn Tennis Club, and was a most liberal supporter of the various patriotic funds. He took a practical interest in the welfare of the children of the Australian colonists who had moved into Asuncion to make their living. In behalf of any of these his purse was ever open. Not only did the poor receive the doctor's services freely, but it frequently happened that the cost of the journey of camp people to the capital and their boarding expenses while there were also provided for them. ^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164176383
2. ↑ CONCERNING PEOPLE. (1917, January 31). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59902560

• Birth Citation

SA BDM (Secondary evidence) Page: Daly 131 164 Text: Given Name(s): Alfred James Last Name: BIRKS Birth Date: 1874, January 12 Gender: M Father: George Napier BIRKS Mother: Helen Rosetta THOMAS Birth Place/Residence: Kadina District: Daly Symbol: Book/Page: 131/164

• Death Citation

The Mail (Secondary evidence) Text: Mr. Alfred James Birks. (1916, November 25). Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), p. 22. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164176383. Also Family Notices. (1916, November 25). The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59823144. Also http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/164181580