Robert Hamilton (civil servant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert George Crookshank Hamilton
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| 6th Governor of Tasmania | |
| In office 11 March 1887 – 30 November 1892 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Preceded by | Major Sir George Strahan |
| Succeeded by | Jenico Preston, 14th Viscount Gormanston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 August 1836 Bressay, Shetland, Scotland |
| Died | 22 April 1895 (aged 58) South Kensington, London, England |
| Spouses | Caroline Jane Ball Teresa Felicia Hamilton |
| Education | Aberdeen Grammar School |
| Alma mater | King's College, Aberdeen |
Sir Robert George Crookshank Hamilton was an important British official. He was the sixth Governor of the British colony of Tasmania. He also served as its Commander-in-Chief. His time as Governor was from March 11, 1887, to November 30, 1892. During this period, he worked with two Tasmanian leaders, called premiers. These were Sir Philip Fysh and Henry Dobson.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert George Crookshank Hamilton was born on August 30, 1836. His birthplace was Bressay, a small island in Shetland, Scotland. His father was Reverend Zachary Macaulay Hamilton. His mother was Anne Irvine.
Robert went to Aberdeen Grammar School. He then studied at King's College, Aberdeen. He earned his Master of Arts degree in March 1854.
Working for the Government
In 1855, Robert Hamilton moved to London. He started working for the government in the War Office. This office managed military affairs. Later that year, he was sent to the Crimean War as a clerk. He helped manage supplies for the army.
After the war, he worked in other government departments. In 1861, he managed the finances for the education department. This job grew very quickly. In 1869, he became the accountant for the Board of Trade. This department dealt with business and trade. He helped to improve how they managed their money. From 1872 to 1878, he was an assistant-secretary there.
In 1878, he became the accountant-general of the navy. He made the navy's budget easier for everyone to understand. In 1882, he became the Permanent Secretary to the Admiralty. This was a very high position in the navy's administration.
Time in Ireland
In 1882, Robert Hamilton was sent to Ireland. He became the under-secretary of state for Ireland. This was a very important role in the Irish government. He was later made a permanent secretary. He received a special honor called the K.C.B..
While in Ireland, he believed that Ireland should have more control over its own government. This idea was called "home rule." His views influenced important leaders like W. E. Gladstone. However, when a new government came to power, he was removed from his role in Ireland.
Governor of Tasmania
In November 1886, Robert Hamilton was appointed governor of Tasmania. He started this role in 1887. He was very supportive of the Australian colonies. He wanted them to grow and develop.
During his time as Governor, he encouraged new industries. He also supported building more roads and railways. He strongly believed in Australian federalism. This was the idea of the Australian colonies joining together. He led meetings of the Federal Council of Australasia in Hobart in 1887, 1888, and 1889.
He also hosted big parties to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. He was the president of the Royal Society of Tasmania. He helped to start the University of Tasmania. He also worked to create more schools, technical colleges, and museums.
Later Career and Family
Robert Hamilton remained Governor of Tasmania until 1893. After returning to England, he continued to serve the government. He investigated how the government of Dominica worked. In 1894, he became the chairman of the Board of Customs. This board managed taxes on goods coming into the country.
He passed away on April 22, 1895, in South Kensington, London. He was buried in Richmond, Surrey.
Recognition
In 1890, portraits of Sir Robert and Lady Hamilton were bought. They were painted by Tennyson Cole. These paintings were given to the Tasmanian Art Gallery.
Family Life
Sir Robert Hamilton was married twice. On August 18, 1863, he married Caroline Jane Ball. They had three sons and one daughter. Their second son, Robert William Hamilton, became a politician. He was a Member of Parliament for Orkney & Shetland. Caroline passed away in 1875. Their daughter, Anne, married Theyre à Beckett Weigall. He was a famous judge in Australia. Anne was also the mother of the author Joan Lindsay.
On July 4, 1877, Sir Robert married Teresa Felicia. They had two more sons and one daughter together.
