One of the most prominent grazing and cane growing families of the north has had their history chronicled in the book “On Eagles’ Wings, the Atkinson Family of North Queensland, 1862 – 2014”.
The Atkinson family commissioned historian Marjorie Gilmore and graphic designer Xenia Toffanello to record the family history, three years ago.
The resulting book, in two leather bound volumes, is due for release by late October, with the official launch day to follow on Saturday, November 14 at Henry and Sue Atkinson’s property Bridletrack near Hervey’s Range Road, Townsville from 3.30pm to 7pm.
The author Marjorie Gilmore and ACIAR Commission Chairman Don Heatley will be launching the book which captures and charts the struggles and successes of the Atkinson’s including their interactions with the indigenous people who were essential in the development of the Northern cattle industry.
Sue Atkinson said the book is also a record of later generations of the family who adapted to changing conditions within agriculture to remain viable and to prosper.
The original pioneers, James Atkinson in partnership with Ezra Firth, founded Albert Downs which became part of Mt Surprise Station, for some time the most northern cattle station in the unsettled district of Cook.
During the trek Kate Atkinson gave birth to Henry John Atkinson under the bullock wagon carrying all their worldly goods, somewhere on the Burdekin River.
She had two more sons, born with the assistance of Eliza Firth, on Mt Surprise. Eliza’s own son, Cook Leichhardt Firth, was also born on that station with Kate Atkinson in attendance.
The Atkinsons left the Mt Surprise partnership in 1872 and moved to the wet tropical coast near where Ingham is established today.
They named their new property Farnham and grew sugar and other produce as well as accumulating grazing land in the district.
In time, the three Atkinson sons, Henry (Greenvale), Robert (Cashmere) and Tom (Gunnawarra), owned properties which extended from the Peninsula to south of Townsville. Their sister, Elizabeth (Atkinson) Lynn died prematurely in 1912, and her descendants have been prominent in the Ingham sugar industry ever since on the original Farnham land.
Members of later generations, including Mont and Ken Atkinson, were instrumental in the introduction of Bos indicus cattle into North Queensland and the establishment of the Droughtmaster breed. Many members of the younger generations have continued the tradition of producing quality cattle, and have embraced management practices which reflect their scientific approach to beef breeding and resource management.
“For anyone interested in the history of the development of North Queensland and the evolving nature of agriculture through the story of one extended family, On Eagles’ Wings is a must read,” Sue Atkinson said.
Sue is expecting between 150-200 guests at the launch and said interested people can RSVP until November 7 by calling her on (07) 4788 7083 or email bridletrack1@gmail.com
