William Trotter

William Burns Trotter William was born February 6th 1859 in Stonehouse Lanark Scotland and died June 20th 1912 in Perth Tasmania. He married Rebecca Jane Lucas on January the 9th 1883 at St Davids Church Auckland New Zealand. At age 20 William had immigrated to New Zealand with his parents Andrew and Isobella and sisters Isobella and Agnes on the ship "Earl Graville" arriving 4/3/1880. It is thought he met Rebecca on the voyage out. William and Rebecca later moved to Tasmania with their first child Isobella born there November the 20th 1884 at Longford.
William and Rebecca married 9th January 1883 Right: Photo of the family taken about 1901
Descendants of William Burns Trotter Generation No. 1 1. WILLIAM BURNS³ TROTTER (ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born February 06, 1859 in Stonehouse Lanark Scotland, and died June 20, 1912 in Perth Tas reg no. 591. He married REBECCA JANE LUCAS January 09, 1883 in St Davids Church Auckland New Zealand reg no. 10, daughter of SAMUEL LUCAS and MARY LUCAS. She was born Abt. 1862 in Tyrone Ireland, and died July 27, 1932 in Hadspen Tas. Notes for WILLIAM BURNS TROTTER: buried Perth Cemetery. In 1911 William wrote a letter to his son Robert as follows: New Boys Hill June th5/1911 Dear Son You will be thinking I am long winded in not answering your letter before this time but beter late than never I hope you are getting on well at school and that you are making good use of the time you are at it I only wish I had got the same chance when I was a boy I had to go to work whe I was eight years old and many a good job I have lost because I wasnot a good writter so you imbrass the oppertunety you have got now an purhaps it will save you many a hard days work the battary is going up very slow an I dowt it will be going before July an now the tin is $215 pounds per ton the mine is looking well an plenty of tin to be seen in the stone I must close from your loving father. Davey is out tonight at the ring tales an he is getting them. Jack is a splended dog at them now Davey is going to get a good cheque out of them this seson. - letter is typed out exactly as was written by William. It is most likely William went to work in one of the local Coal mines in Stonehouse as mining and weaving were the two main occupations of the area at that time, circa 1867. Robert would have been age 15 when this letter was written to him and Davey in the letter would be his brother David, then aged nearly 18. see David's notes for extracts of letters he wrote to Robert in 1957, recalling their boyhood. Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and REBECCA LUCAS are: 2. 1. ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴ TROTTER, b. February 11, 1896, 4 Cameron St., Launceston Tasmania; d. July 11, 1958, Launceston Tasmania. 3. 2. ISOBELLA TROTTER, b. November 20, 1884, Longford Tas reg no 2112; d. August 19, 1956, Ringarooma Tas. 4. 3. AGNES JANE MARGARET TROTTER, b. October 01, 1886, Fingal Tasmania; d. June 03, 1969, North Richmond Vic reg no. 12012 age 82. 5. 4. WILLIAM ANDREW TROTTER, b. May 14, 1890, Inveresk, Launceston Tasmania; d. October 26, 1921, 28 Warwick Street, Hobart Tas age 31 reg no. 2022. 5. ANDREW TROTTER, b. August 08, 1892, Cimitiere St, Launceston Tasmania; d. September 30, 1892, Cimitiere St, Launceston Tasmania. Notes for ANDREW TROTTER: buried Old Perth Cemetery (photo of headstone) 6. DAVID TROTTER, b. August 19, 1893, Inveresk, Launceston Tasmania; d. October 01, 1957, Sydney NSW age 64 reg no. 27243; m. KATHLEEN MAY MARTIN, September 20, 1918, St David's Catherdal, Hobart, Tas reg no. 210; b. January 04, 1881, Launceston Tas reg no. 72; d. 1967, St Leonards NSW reg no. 18373 age 86. Notes for DAVID TROTTER: extracts from letters written by David to Robert in 1957. 31/3/1957 "one of the first jobs I had after my discharge from the army after the first world war was selling land on Mowbray Heights Estate, I remember Joffre St quite well, also Foch St. I forget the prices of the lots, it was either $50 or $150 each" in referring to Bill "If his great grandmother were alive (do you remember her, she lived in a stone cottage near the railway station at Perth 60yrs ago) she would pat him on the head and say 'clever wee boy' " 20/5/1957 "I have promised you some high lights from our family life. Before moving to Perth we lived at Inveresk, not far from the railway station, I have no recollection of the street. Ask Ciss if she can remember. I can only remember 2 incidents of our early life in Launceston. 1 Catching mullet on the Loongana wharf. The Loongana was on the Melbourne - Launceston run donkey years before the Narrana. 2 Oranges being fired from a long barrelled gun in a procession in the streets of Launceston, celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Gee! doesn't that seem like ancient history. I guess I would be about 5 then and as you are some years younger, you could hardly be expected to remember. I believe Dad worked at that time demolishing houses. I have no idea how our parents came into possession of the shanty and land at Perth. Possibly some charitable minded member of the Launceston Baptist Church, knowing the family poverty and Mums experience on the land, bought the property and gave it to Dad. More than likely Wm Gibson of Perth was approached on our behalf and bought the land for us, if so, may God reward his soul for his goodness. There would be about 5 in our family at that time, with you as a baby, or Snowy, I cannot be sure which, so I cannot see how Dad could have saved the money. At that time we were experiencing the direst poverty, Gibsons carriage and horses called at least twice a week with food and clothing. After living in the slums at Inveresk, how heavenly it must have been for all our family to be out there in the wide open spaces. Do you remember the lovely big pine tree that stood in the front of the shanty. I am sure Will and I crawled all over it the first day and quite likely Bella & Ciss too, because they would be only 10 or 12 years at that time. We had years of enjoyment climbing that tree and robbing the sparrow nests of their eggs, getting the pine cones, cracking and enjoying the kernels. Children from all around came and played at our place, it was such a lovely place to play. Pleny of playmates, because there were such a mob of Trotter kids We have several cows, fowls, pigs and a magnificent vegetable garden." 1/4/1957 "When I was 11, I was taken from school to mind a tent at Mathinna, while Dad and our Will prospected the Ben Lomond ranges for minerals. Money that Dad sent home at that time came from the proceeds of the sale of kangaroo and opossom skins. Along the ranges Dad had spread 1500 kangaroo and 1000 possum snares. I cannot remeber the biggest haul of kangeroo, but I do remember 7 or 8 possums in one day, Grey possum skins sold then for 7/6 each and black one which were very rare sold for 20-27/6. But there were many days in which no skins at all were bought in, In the bush we practically lived on kangaroo meat and bread and dripping, goodness only knows what a starvation period dear old mum went through. At the time of Dad's death we were still in the bush catching game, but not then entirely dependant on skins. After Dad's death we left Perth and came to Launceston to live, then for about 8 or 10 years we did no hunting, as we had now ways or means of getting into the country. But about 1922 when I had the horse and sprung cart we went out to Hadspen every chance we had. I had heard Dad speak of hunting in his youth, his family were in poor circumstances. He and his brothers worked underground in the coal mines, but the pay was insufficient to keep the home going. A supplementary supply of food was gained by catching trout and netting rabbits, but to do so they had to dodge gamekeepers. If caught punishment was severe, many a man got transported as a convict to VDL for catching such game. So the rabbits and fish had to be hunted and caught in the silence of darkness. Dad used a rabbit net. On one occasion I spent a holiday after the first world war on Uncle Jimmies bush farm near Mangana, a few miles out of Fingal." .........................................................................................................................................................................Death details via email from Macquarie Park Cemetery - see file - they have age at death 70yrs, but David would have only been 64yrs. Buried Northern Suburbs Cemetery, Catholic, sect AA1, grave 13. Sydney NSW moved to Sydney in mid 1930s ?? 6. 7. MARGARET TROTTER, b. April 26, 1899, Perth Tas (Longford) reg no. 1246; d. June 1959, Richmond Vic reg no. 7818. 8. ALBERT EDWARD TROTTER, b. December 25, 1903, Perth Tas reg no. 2333; d. June 02, 1918, 129 George Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 193. Notes for ALBERT EDWARD TROTTER: Known as Snowy "The Examiner" 3rd June 1918 Death Notice TROTTER - On 2nd June, at his mother's residence, 129 George St, Albert (Snowy), dearly beloved youngest son of Mrs RJ Trotter and the late William Burns Trotter, (accidently shot) aged 14yrs and 6 mths. News Item Albert Trotter (14) was fatally shot with a pea-rifle at his home at 129 George St, yesterday. Buried Perth Cemetery (photo of headstone) "The Examiner" 3rd June 1918 Pea Rifle Tragedy To the long list of pea rifle tragedies has been added another. Shortly before 10.30 yesterday morning, it was reported to the police by Sergeant Major David Trotter of 129 George St, that his brother Albert, aged 14 years, had been fatally shot throught the head. The deceased on Saturday night had been out opossum shooting. On his return he left a sugar bag, containing the rifle, which he had dismantled by removing the stock from the barrel, in a shed at the rear of his mother's house. Yesterday morning he picked up the bag and dumped it on the ground. The barrel, unknown to the lad, containe a cartridge, which exploded, the bullet entering the head just behind the right eye. Dr JA Newell was immediately summoned and on arrival found the boy in an unconsious condition, from which he never emerged, succumbing to the injury at 10.25am. The coroner has been informed of the circumstances and has given permission for the body to be interned. An inquest will be held at the Police Court tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. Funeral Notice The funeral of the late Albert Trotter will leave his mother's residence, 129 George St on Tuesday morning, June 4 at 10 o'clock for interment in the Perth Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Armitage & Armitage Generation No. 2 2. ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born February 11, 1896 in 4 Cameron St., Launceston Tasmania, and died July 11, 1958 in Launceston Tasmania. He married FRANCES DEAS-THOMSON September 18, 1918 in College Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 855, daughter of RICHARD DEAS-THOMSON and CLARA DALE. She was born July 30, 1895 in Launceston Tasmania reg no. 392, and died July 17, 1969 in Launceston Tasmania. Notes for ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES TROTTER: Robert Alexander James Trotter - aka Robert Burns Trotter Children of ROBERT TROTTER and FRANCES DEAS-THOMSON are: 7. 1. RICHARD BURNS⁵ TROTTER, b. August 07, 1924, Launceston Tasmania; d. April 20, 2006, Lton Gen Hosp, Launceston Tas. 2. CLARE ESTHER TROTTER, b. April 18, 1919, 4 Church Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 3435; m. (1) JACK ADAMS; m. (2) WILLIAM JOHN (JACK) BENTLEY; d. February 23, 1977, LGH Lanceston Tas per Examiner death notice. 8. 3. WILLIAM BURNS TROTTER, b. July 10, 1922, Launceston Tas; d. September 13, 2001, The Manor Hospice, Launceston Tas. 9. 4. JUDITH TROTTER, b. July 14, 1938, Launceston Tasmania. 3. ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born November 20, 1884 in Longford Tas reg no 2112, and died August 19, 1956 in Ringarooma Tas. She married WILLIAM CROOME ATKINS November 25, 1908 in Perth Tasmania reg no. 923, son of WILLIAM ATKINS and AMELIA CROOME. He was born August 04, 1883 in Tas reg no. 1439 (Morven), and died April 17, 1964 in 241 Charles St, Launceston Tas age 80. Children of ISOBELLA TROTTER and WILLIAM ATKINS are: 10. 1. WILLIAM ATKINS⁵ TROTTER, b. January 30, 1903, Perth Tas reg no. 2770; d. June 07, 1994, East Devonport Tas age 91. 11. 2. AUBREY ST CLAIR ATKINS, b. April 11, 1910, Perth Tas reg no.3207; d. February 08, 1991, NESM Hospital, Scotsdale Tas age 80. 3. GEOFFREY EDWARD ATKINS, b. October 10, 1912, Perth Tas reg no.4149; d. November 06, 1912, Perth Tas age 1 mth (Examiner index) reg no. 649. 12. 4. KEITH DAVID ATKINS, b. April 11, 1918, 163 George Street, Launceston Tas eg no. 752; d. April 12, 1992, LGH Launceston Tas. 13. 5. MARJORIE AMELIA ATKINS, b. 1924. 4. AGNES JANE MARGARET⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born October 01, 1886 in Fingal Tasmania, and died June 03, 1969 in North Richmond Vic reg no. 12012 age 82. Notes for AGNES JANE MARGARET TROTTER: Known as Auntie Cis buried Fawkner Crematorium & Memorial Park, Garden of Remembrance 1, Compartment 20, Niche AA Child of AGNES JANE MARGARET TROTTER is: 1. LEO AUBREY⁵ TROTTER, b. June 24, 1907, Perth Tas reg no. 4112; d. May 04, 1944, Richmond Vic reg no. 3989 aged 37. Notes for LEO AUBREY TROTTER: death certificate states father as Alec Trotter, farmer - states he was born Perth, Tas and lived in Tas for 13 yrs, then Victoria for 24 yrs No children are listed on Agnes's death cert. Theory - that Alexander Trotter, son of Alexander Trotter, New Zealand is the father of Leo. Marjorie's information states that family had contact with cousins in New Zealand eg Adelia Heard of Warkworth, who was Alexander's sister. They were close in age, so did a family visit from the NZ cousins result in Leo. Alexander's family were farmers! We will never know for sure. Agnes and Leo are both dead as is Alexander, but it's a theory!! Else why would she have put it on Leo's death certificate. Need to get Leo's birth certificate. 5. WILLIAM ANDREW⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born May 14, 1890 in Inveresk, Launceston Tasmania, and died October 26, 1921 in 28 Warwick Street, Hobart Tas age 31 reg no. 2022. He married ISABELLE MARY EVERETT, daughter of THOMAS EVERETT and MARY WATSON. She was born January 31, 1888 in Ringarooma Tas reg no. 2964, and died July 06, 1965 in Hobart Tas age 77. Notes for WILLIAM ANDREW TROTTER: Died Age 31 - buried Cornelian Bay Cemetery, C of E, Section V V Grave 146 per Southern Cemetery Trust records - see file Notes for ISABELLE MARY EVERETT: Derwent Gardens, Niche Wall, section W, number 8 row 1 Marriage Notes for WILLIAM TROTTER and ISABELLE EVERETT: cannot find marriage in Tas in Pioneer or Federation indexes. No marriage in Vic indexes 1902-1920 Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and ISABELLE EVERETT are: 1. PHYLLIS EVERETT⁵ TROTTER, b. May 25, 1914, 155 George Street, Launceston Tas reg no. 2083; d. July 20, 2002, Hobart Tas; m. ROBIN CONRAD BRYCE-WATSON; b. February 01, 1908, War records Bendigo Vic - cannot find birth record in Vic; d. January 24, 1959, Hobart Tas. 14. 2. KATHLEEN GRACE TROTTER, b. June 22, 1915, 155 George Street, Launceston Tas reg no. 5179; d. September 01, 2003, Hobart Tas. 6. MARGARET⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born April 26, 1899 in Perth Tas (Longford) reg no. 1246, and died June 1959 in Richmond Vic reg no. 7818. She married FRANCIS ROY DAVIS January 01, 1920 in College Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 1281, son of FRANCIS DAVIS and EMMA LEE. He was born August 28, 1896 in Launceston Tas reg no. 433, and died April 1978 in Bentleigh Vic age 83 reg no. 8271. Child of MARGARET TROTTER and FRANCIS DAVIS is: 1. RICHARD⁵ DAVIS, b. June 26, 1932; m. EVELYN, September 20, 1955. Generation No. 3 7. RICHARD BURNS⁵ TROTTER (ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born August 07, 1924 in Launceston Tasmania, and died April 20, 2006 in Lton Gen Hosp, Launceston Tas. He married PEGGY ENID WHELAN January 03, 1946 in Malvern Victoria, daughter of STANLEY WHELAN and EDNA TURTON. She was born April 16, 1924 in Albert Park Melbourne Vic. Children of RICHARD TROTTER and PEGGY WHELAN are: 1. GARY RICHARD⁶ TROTTER, b. March 05, 1952, Launceston Tasmania; m. GLENDA JOY QUINN, Longford Tasmania; b. April 22, 1955, Launceston Tasmania. 2, JANINE FRANCES TROTTER, b. July 31, 1955, Launceston Tasmania; m. (1) NOEL KENNETH WILSON, November 18, 1978, Launceston Tasmania; b. Launceston Tasmania; m. (2) STEPHEN JOHN GOLDSMID, 1990, Tookarook Victoria; b. August 18, 1962, Melbourne Victoria. 3. ANDREW JAMES TROTTER, b. March 15, 1967, Launceston Tasmania; m. PAIGE POLLY; b. January 15, 1974, Perth WA. 8. WILLIAM BURNS⁵ TROTTER (ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born July 10, 1922 in Launceston Tas, and died September 13, 2001 in The Manor Hospice, Launceston Tas. He married ISOBEL MERLE RANSON December 24, 1943 in Launceston Tasmania. She was born January 11, 1924 in Springfield Tas. Notes for WILLIAM BURNS TROTTER: Bill & Merle adopted twin boys in 1955 - Monty and Kerry - as these children are not descendants of Andrew & Isabella Trotter, they have not been added to the family research. Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and ISOBEL RANSON are: 1 MONTY⁶ TROTTER, b. April 12, 1955, Launceston Tas; d. September 04, 2006, Newstead Tas (result of an accident); Adopted child; m. CAROL BELLINGER. 3. KERRY TROTTER, b. April 12, 1955, Launceston Tas; Adopted child. 9. JUDITH⁵ TROTTER (ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born July 14, 1938 in Launceston Tasmania. She married GEORGE JOHN DAVID PINNER October 1958. Children of JUDITH TROTTER and GEORGE PINNER are: 1. SPERRY JOHN⁶ PINNER, b. July 23, 1959, QVH Launceston per Examiner Index. 2. KIM JANE PINNER, b. September 12, 1960, QVH Launceston per Examiner Index. 3. PAUL ROBERT PINNER, b. January 03, 1962, QVH Launceston per Examiner Index. 4. LANCE PINNER. 5. ROSS PINNER. 6. AUDRA PINNER, m. PAUL MCKERCHER. 7. LISA PINNER. 10. WILLIAM ATKINS⁵ TROTTER (ISOBELLA⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born January 30, 1903 in Perth Tas reg no. 2770, and died June 07, 1994 in East Devonport Tas age 91. He married RUBRETTA TRIXIE QUINN. She was born Abt. 1904, and died January 30, 1992 in East Devonport Tas age 87. Notes for WILLIAM ATKINS TROTTER: Birth registered as William Atkins Trotter, but known and died as William Atkins Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and RUBRETTA QUINN are: 1. KATHLEEN⁶ ATKINS, m. REGINALD HOPE. 2. PHYLLIS ATKINS, m. RONSLEY PARKER. 11. AUBREY ST CLAIR⁵ ATKINS (ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born April 11, 1910 in Perth Tas reg no.3207, and died February 08, 1991 in NESM Hospital, Scotsdale Tas age 80. He married BLANCHE ISOBEL BOWMAN. She was born Abt. 1912, and died November 18, 1982 in Branxholm Tas age 70. Children of AUBREY ATKINS and BLANCHE BOWMAN are: 1. BARBARA FLORENCE⁶ ATKINS, d. August 22, 1998, Launceston Tas; m. DAVID JOHN CUNNINGHAM. 2. JENNIFER ISOBEL ATKINS, m. RICHARD MOUNTNEY (FRANK???). 3. DAVID WILLIAM ATKINS, m. YVONNE WHELAN. 12. KEITH DAVID⁵ ATKINS (ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born April 11, 1918 in 163 George Street, Launceston Tas eg no. 752, and died April 12, 1992 in LGH Launceston Tas. He married EDITH ELLEN MCQUAY October 10, 1942 in Per Examiner, daughter of SIDNEY MCQUAY and ESTHER. She was born October 01, 1918, and died February 01, 1999 in Launceston Tas. Children of KEITH ATKINS and EDITH MCQUAY are: 1. WAYNE KENNETH⁶ ATKINS, b. December 11, 1943, Naldera Priv Hosp per Examiner; m. MARGARET O'MARA. 2. FAYE ESTHER ATKINS, b. November 22, 1947, St Ives Priv Hosp per Examiner; m. GARY SCHULTZ. 3. PHILLIP JOHN ATKINS, b. May 29, 1950, QVH Launceston per Examiner; m. CHERYL STEVENSON. 13. MARJORIE AMELIA⁵ ATKINS (ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born 1924. She married BERT CUNNINGHAM. Child of MARJORIE ATKINS and BERT CUNNINGHAM is: 1. CHRISTINE ISABEL⁶ CUNNINGHAM, b. July 23, 1954, QVH Launceston per Examiner; m. DAVID JOHN QUILL. 14. KATHLEEN GRACE⁵ TROTTER (WILLIAM ANDREW⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born June 22, 1915 in 155 George Street, Launceston Tas reg no. 5179, and died September 01, 2003 in Hobart Tas. She married JOSEPH HOWARD COOPER, son of WILLIAM COOPER and ELLEN. He was born December 05, 1894 in Sydney NSW (war records) reg no. 1220/1895 Ashfield, and died November 10, 1971 in Hobart Tas. Children of KATHLEEN TROTTER and JOSEPH COOPER are: 1. ROBYN⁶ COOPER, m. PAUL ??. 2. MICHAEL COOPER. Back

William Burns Trotter

William was born February 6th 1859 in Stonehouse Lanark Scotland and died June 20th 1912 in Perth Tasmania. He married Rebecca Jane Lucas on January the 9th 1883 at St Davids Church Auckland New Zealand. At age 20 William had immigrated to New Zealand with his parents Andrew and Isobella and sisters Isobella and Agnes on the ship "Earl Graville" arriving 4/3/1880. It is thought he met Rebecca on the voyage out. William and Rebecca later moved to Tasmania with their first child Isobella born there November the 20th 1884 at Longford.

William and Rebecca married 9th January 1883

Right: Photo of the family taken about 1901

Descendants of William Burns Trotter

Generation No. 1

1. WILLIAM BURNS³ TROTTER (ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born February 06, 1859 in Stonehouse Lanark Scotland, and died June 20, 1912 in Perth Tas reg no. 591. He married REBECCA JANE LUCAS January 09, 1883 in St Davids Church Auckland New Zealand reg no. 10, daughter of SAMUEL LUCAS and MARY LUCAS. She was born Abt. 1862 in Tyrone Ireland, and died July 27, 1932 in Hadspen Tas.

Notes for WILLIAM BURNS TROTTER:

buried Perth Cemetery.

In 1911 William wrote a letter to his son Robert as follows:

New Boys Hill June th5/1911

Dear Son

You will be thinking I am long winded in not answering your letter before this time but beter late than never I hope you are getting on well at school and that you are making good use of the time you are at it I only wish I had got the same chance when I was a boy I had to go to work whe I was eight years old and many a good job I have lost because I wasnot a good writter so you imbrass the oppertunety you have got now an purhaps it will save you many a hard days work the battary is going up very slow an I dowt it will be going before July an now the tin is $215 pounds per ton the mine is looking well an plenty of tin to be seen in the stone I must close from your loving father.

Davey is out tonight at the ring tales an he is getting them. Jack is a splended dog at them now Davey is going to get a good cheque out of them this seson.

- letter is typed out exactly as was written by William.

It is most likely William went to work in one of the local Coal mines in Stonehouse as mining and weaving were the two main occupations of the area at that time, circa 1867.

Robert would have been age 15 when this letter was written to him and Davey in the letter would be his brother David, then aged nearly 18.

see David's notes for extracts of letters he wrote to Robert in 1957, recalling their boyhood.

Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and REBECCA LUCAS are:

2. 1. ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴ TROTTER, b. February 11, 1896, 4 Cameron St., Launceston Tasmania; d. July 11, 1958, Launceston Tasmania.

3. 2. ISOBELLA TROTTER, b. November 20, 1884, Longford Tas reg no 2112; d. August 19, 1956, Ringarooma Tas.

4. 3. AGNES JANE MARGARET TROTTER, b. October 01, 1886, Fingal Tasmania; d. June 03, 1969, North Richmond Vic reg no. 12012 age 82.

5. 4. WILLIAM ANDREW TROTTER, b. May 14, 1890, Inveresk, Launceston Tasmania; d. October 26, 1921, 28 Warwick Street, Hobart Tas age 31 reg no. 2022.

5. ANDREW TROTTER, b. August 08, 1892, Cimitiere St, Launceston Tasmania; d. September 30, 1892, Cimitiere St, Launceston Tasmania. Notes for ANDREW TROTTER:

buried Old Perth Cemetery (photo of headstone)

6. DAVID TROTTER, b. August 19, 1893, Inveresk, Launceston Tasmania; d. October 01, 1957, Sydney NSW age 64 reg no. 27243; m. KATHLEEN MAY MARTIN, September 20, 1918, St David's Catherdal, Hobart, Tas reg no. 210; b. January 04, 1881, Launceston Tas reg no. 72; d. 1967, St Leonards NSW reg no. 18373 age 86.

Notes for DAVID TROTTER:

extracts from letters written by David to Robert in 1957.

31/3/1957

"one of the first jobs I had after my discharge from the army after the first world war was selling land on Mowbray Heights Estate, I remember Joffre St quite well, also Foch St. I forget the prices of the lots, it was either $50 or $150 each"

in referring to Bill "If his great grandmother were alive (do you remember her, she lived in a stone cottage near the railway station at Perth 60yrs ago) she would pat him on the head and say 'clever wee boy' "

20/5/1957

"I have promised you some high lights from our family life. Before moving to Perth we lived at Inveresk, not far from the railway station, I have no recollection of the street. Ask Ciss if she can remember. I can only remember 2 incidents of our early life in Launceston. 1 Catching mullet on the Loongana wharf. The Loongana was on the Melbourne - Launceston run donkey years before the Narrana. 2 Oranges being fired from a long barrelled gun in a procession in the streets of Launceston, celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Gee! doesn't that seem like ancient history. I guess I would be about 5 then and as you are some years younger, you could hardly be expected to remember. I believe Dad worked at that time demolishing houses. I have no idea how our parents came into possession of the shanty and land at Perth. Possibly some charitable minded member of the Launceston Baptist Church, knowing the family poverty and Mums experience on the land, bought the property and gave it to Dad. More than likely Wm Gibson of Perth was approached on our behalf and bought the land for us, if so, may God reward his soul for his goodness. There would be about 5 in our family at that time, with you as a baby, or Snowy, I cannot be sure which, so I cannot see how Dad could have saved the money.

At that time we were experiencing the direst poverty, Gibsons carriage and horses called at least twice a week with food and clothing.

After living in the slums at Inveresk, how heavenly it must have been for all our family to be out there in the wide open spaces. Do you remember the lovely big pine tree that stood in the front of the shanty. I am sure Will and I crawled all over it the first day and quite likely Bella & Ciss too, because they would be only 10 or 12 years at that time. We had years of enjoyment climbing that tree and robbing the sparrow nests of their eggs, getting the pine cones, cracking and enjoying the kernels. Children from all around came and played at our place, it was such a lovely place to play. Pleny of playmates, because there were such a mob of Trotter kids

We have several cows, fowls, pigs and a magnificent vegetable garden."

1/4/1957

"When I was 11, I was taken from school to mind a tent at Mathinna, while Dad and our Will prospected the Ben Lomond ranges for minerals. Money that Dad sent home at that time came from the proceeds of the sale of kangaroo and opossom skins. Along the ranges Dad had spread 1500 kangaroo and 1000 possum snares. I cannot remeber the biggest haul of kangeroo, but I do remember 7 or 8 possums in one day, Grey possum skins sold then for 7/6 each and black one which were very rare sold for 20-27/6.

But there were many days in which no skins at all were bought in, In the bush we practically lived on kangaroo meat and bread and dripping, goodness only knows what a starvation period dear old mum went through.

At the time of Dad's death we were still in the bush catching game, but not then entirely dependant on skins.

After Dad's death we left Perth and came to Launceston to live, then for about 8 or 10 years we did no hunting, as we had now ways or means of getting into the country. But about 1922 when I had the horse and sprung cart we went out to Hadspen every chance we had.

I had heard Dad speak of hunting in his youth, his family were in poor circumstances. He and his brothers worked underground in the coal mines, but the pay was insufficient to keep the home going. A supplementary supply of food was gained by catching trout and netting rabbits, but to do so they had to dodge gamekeepers. If caught punishment was severe, many a man got transported as a convict to VDL for catching such game. So the rabbits and fish had to be hunted and caught in the silence of darkness. Dad used a rabbit net.

On one occasion I spent a holiday after the first world war on Uncle Jimmies bush farm near Mangana, a few miles out of Fingal."

.........................................................................................................................................................................Death details via email from Macquarie Park Cemetery - see file - they have age at death 70yrs, but David would have only been 64yrs.

Buried Northern Suburbs Cemetery, Catholic, sect AA1, grave 13. Sydney NSW

moved to Sydney in mid 1930s ??

6. 7. MARGARET TROTTER, b. April 26, 1899, Perth Tas (Longford) reg no. 1246; d. June 1959, Richmond Vic reg no. 7818.

8. ALBERT EDWARD TROTTER, b. December 25, 1903, Perth Tas reg no. 2333; d. June 02, 1918, 129 George Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 193.

Notes for ALBERT EDWARD TROTTER:

Known as Snowy

"The Examiner" 3rd June 1918

Death Notice

TROTTER - On 2nd June, at his mother's residence, 129 George St, Albert (Snowy), dearly beloved youngest son of Mrs RJ Trotter and the late William Burns Trotter, (accidently shot) aged 14yrs and 6 mths.

News Item

Albert Trotter (14) was fatally shot with a pea-rifle at his home at 129 George St, yesterday.

Buried Perth Cemetery (photo of headstone)

"The Examiner" 3rd June 1918

Pea Rifle Tragedy

To the long list of pea rifle tragedies has been added another. Shortly before 10.30 yesterday morning, it was reported to the police by Sergeant Major David Trotter of 129 George St, that his brother Albert, aged 14 years, had been fatally shot throught the head. The deceased on Saturday night had been out opossum shooting. On his return he left a sugar bag, containing the rifle, which he had dismantled by removing the stock from the barrel, in a shed at the rear of his mother's house. Yesterday morning he picked up the bag and dumped it on the ground. The barrel, unknown to the lad, containe a cartridge, which exploded, the bullet entering the head just behind the right eye. Dr JA Newell was immediately summoned and on arrival found the boy in an unconsious condition, from which he never emerged, succumbing to the injury at 10.25am. The coroner has been informed of the circumstances and has given permission for the body to be interned. An inquest will be held at the Police Court tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock.

Funeral Notice

The funeral of the late Albert Trotter will leave his mother's residence, 129 George St on Tuesday morning, June 4 at 10 o'clock for interment in the Perth Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend.

Armitage & Armitage

Generation No. 2

2. ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born February 11, 1896 in 4 Cameron St., Launceston Tasmania, and died July 11, 1958 in Launceston Tasmania. He married FRANCES DEAS-THOMSON September 18, 1918 in College Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 855, daughter of RICHARD DEAS-THOMSON and CLARA DALE. She was born July 30, 1895 in Launceston Tasmania reg no. 392, and died July 17, 1969 in Launceston Tasmania.

Notes for ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES TROTTER:

Robert Alexander James Trotter - aka Robert Burns Trotter

Children of ROBERT TROTTER and FRANCES DEAS-THOMSON are:

7. 1. RICHARD BURNS⁵ TROTTER, b. August 07, 1924, Launceston Tasmania; d. April 20, 2006, Lton Gen Hosp, Launceston Tas.

2. CLARE ESTHER TROTTER, b. April 18, 1919, 4 Church Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 3435; m. (1) JACK ADAMS; m. (2) WILLIAM JOHN (JACK) BENTLEY; d. February 23, 1977, LGH Lanceston Tas per Examiner death notice.

8. 3. WILLIAM BURNS TROTTER, b. July 10, 1922, Launceston Tas; d. September 13, 2001, The Manor Hospice, Launceston Tas.

9. 4. JUDITH TROTTER, b. July 14, 1938, Launceston Tasmania.

3. ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born November 20, 1884 in Longford Tas reg no 2112, and died August 19, 1956 in Ringarooma Tas. She married WILLIAM CROOME ATKINS November 25, 1908 in Perth Tasmania reg no. 923, son of WILLIAM ATKINS and AMELIA CROOME. He was born August 04, 1883 in Tas reg no. 1439 (Morven), and died April 17, 1964 in 241 Charles St, Launceston Tas age 80.

Children of ISOBELLA TROTTER and WILLIAM ATKINS are:

10. 1. WILLIAM ATKINS⁵ TROTTER, b. January 30, 1903, Perth Tas reg no. 2770; d. June 07, 1994, East Devonport Tas age 91.

11. 2. AUBREY ST CLAIR ATKINS, b. April 11, 1910, Perth Tas reg no.3207; d. February 08, 1991, NESM Hospital, Scotsdale Tas age 80.

3. GEOFFREY EDWARD ATKINS, b. October 10, 1912, Perth Tas reg no.4149; d. November 06, 1912, Perth Tas age 1 mth (Examiner index) reg no. 649.

12. 4. KEITH DAVID ATKINS, b. April 11, 1918, 163 George Street, Launceston Tas eg no. 752; d. April 12, 1992, LGH Launceston Tas.

13. 5. MARJORIE AMELIA ATKINS, b. 1924.

4. AGNES JANE MARGARET⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born October 01, 1886 in Fingal Tasmania, and died June 03, 1969 in North Richmond Vic reg no. 12012 age 82.

Notes for AGNES JANE MARGARET TROTTER:

Known as Auntie Cis

buried Fawkner Crematorium & Memorial Park, Garden of Remembrance 1, Compartment 20, Niche AA

Child of AGNES JANE MARGARET TROTTER is:

1. LEO AUBREY⁵ TROTTER, b. June 24, 1907, Perth Tas reg no. 4112; d. May 04, 1944, Richmond Vic reg no. 3989 aged 37.

Notes for LEO AUBREY TROTTER:

death certificate states father as Alec Trotter, farmer - states he was born Perth, Tas and lived in Tas for 13 yrs, then Victoria for 24 yrs

No children are listed on Agnes's death cert.

Theory - that Alexander Trotter, son of Alexander Trotter, New Zealand is the father of Leo.

Marjorie's information states that family had contact with cousins in New Zealand eg Adelia Heard of Warkworth, who was Alexander's sister. They were close in age, so did a family visit from the NZ cousins result in Leo. Alexander's family were farmers!

We will never know for sure. Agnes and Leo are both dead as is Alexander, but it's a theory!! Else why would she have put it on Leo's death certificate. Need to get Leo's birth certificate.

5. WILLIAM ANDREW⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born May 14, 1890 in Inveresk, Launceston Tasmania, and died October 26, 1921 in 28 Warwick Street, Hobart Tas age 31 reg no. 2022. He married ISABELLE MARY EVERETT, daughter of THOMAS EVERETT and MARY WATSON. She was born January 31, 1888 in Ringarooma Tas reg no. 2964, and died July 06, 1965 in Hobart Tas age 77.

Notes for WILLIAM ANDREW TROTTER:

Died Age 31 - buried Cornelian Bay Cemetery, C of E, Section V V Grave 146

per Southern Cemetery Trust records - see file

Notes for ISABELLE MARY EVERETT:

Derwent Gardens, Niche Wall, section W, number 8 row 1

Marriage Notes for WILLIAM TROTTER and ISABELLE EVERETT:

cannot find marriage in Tas in Pioneer or Federation indexes. No marriage in Vic indexes 1902-1920

Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and ISABELLE EVERETT are:

1. PHYLLIS EVERETT⁵ TROTTER, b. May 25, 1914, 155 George Street, Launceston Tas reg no. 2083; d. July 20, 2002, Hobart Tas; m. ROBIN CONRAD BRYCE-WATSON; b. February 01, 1908, War records Bendigo Vic - cannot find birth record in Vic; d. January 24, 1959, Hobart Tas.

14. 2. KATHLEEN GRACE TROTTER, b. June 22, 1915, 155 George Street, Launceston Tas reg no. 5179; d. September 01, 2003, Hobart Tas.

6. MARGARET⁴ TROTTER (WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born April 26, 1899 in Perth Tas (Longford) reg no. 1246, and died June 1959 in Richmond Vic reg no. 7818. She married FRANCIS ROY DAVIS January 01, 1920 in College Street, Launceston Tasmania reg no. 1281, son of FRANCIS DAVIS and EMMA LEE. He was born August 28, 1896 in Launceston Tas reg no. 433, and died April 1978 in Bentleigh Vic age 83 reg no. 8271.

Child of MARGARET TROTTER and FRANCIS DAVIS is:

1. RICHARD⁵ DAVIS, b. June 26, 1932; m. EVELYN, September 20, 1955.

Generation No. 3

7. RICHARD BURNS⁵ TROTTER (ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born August 07, 1924 in Launceston Tasmania, and died April 20, 2006 in Lton Gen Hosp, Launceston Tas. He married PEGGY ENID WHELAN January 03, 1946 in Malvern Victoria, daughter of STANLEY WHELAN and EDNA TURTON. She was born April 16, 1924 in Albert Park Melbourne Vic.

Children of RICHARD TROTTER and PEGGY WHELAN are:

1. GARY RICHARD⁶ TROTTER, b. March 05, 1952, Launceston Tasmania; m. GLENDA JOY QUINN, Longford Tasmania; b. April 22, 1955, Launceston Tasmania.

2, JANINE FRANCES TROTTER, b. July 31, 1955, Launceston Tasmania; m. (1) NOEL KENNETH WILSON, November 18, 1978, Launceston Tasmania; b. Launceston Tasmania; m. (2) STEPHEN JOHN GOLDSMID, 1990, Tookarook Victoria; b. August 18, 1962, Melbourne Victoria.

3. ANDREW JAMES TROTTER, b. March 15, 1967, Launceston Tasmania; m. PAIGE POLLY; b. January 15, 1974, Perth WA.

8. WILLIAM BURNS⁵ TROTTER (ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born July 10, 1922 in Launceston Tas, and died September 13, 2001 in The Manor Hospice, Launceston Tas. He married ISOBEL MERLE RANSON December 24, 1943 in Launceston Tasmania. She was born January 11, 1924 in Springfield Tas.

Notes for WILLIAM BURNS TROTTER:

Bill & Merle adopted twin boys in 1955 - Monty and Kerry - as these children are not descendants of Andrew & Isabella Trotter, they have not been added to the family research.

Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and ISOBEL RANSON are:

1 MONTY⁶ TROTTER, b. April 12, 1955, Launceston Tas; d. September 04, 2006, Newstead Tas (result of an accident); Adopted child; m. CAROL BELLINGER.

3. KERRY TROTTER, b. April 12, 1955, Launceston Tas; Adopted child.

9. JUDITH⁵ TROTTER (ROBERT ALEXANDER JAMES⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born July 14, 1938 in Launceston Tasmania. She married GEORGE JOHN DAVID PINNER October 1958.

Children of JUDITH TROTTER and GEORGE PINNER are:

1. SPERRY JOHN⁶ PINNER, b. July 23, 1959, QVH Launceston per Examiner Index.

2. KIM JANE PINNER, b. September 12, 1960, QVH Launceston per Examiner Index.

3. PAUL ROBERT PINNER, b. January 03, 1962, QVH Launceston per Examiner Index.

4. LANCE PINNER.

5. ROSS PINNER.

6. AUDRA PINNER, m. PAUL MCKERCHER.

7. LISA PINNER.

10. WILLIAM ATKINS⁵ TROTTER (ISOBELLA⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born January 30, 1903 in Perth Tas reg no. 2770, and died June 07, 1994 in East Devonport Tas age 91. He married RUBRETTA TRIXIE QUINN. She was born Abt. 1904, and died January 30, 1992 in East Devonport Tas age 87.

Notes for WILLIAM ATKINS TROTTER:

Birth registered as William Atkins Trotter, but known and died as William Atkins

Children of WILLIAM TROTTER and RUBRETTA QUINN are:

1. KATHLEEN⁶ ATKINS, m. REGINALD HOPE.

2. PHYLLIS ATKINS, m. RONSLEY PARKER.

11. AUBREY ST CLAIR⁵ ATKINS (ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born April 11, 1910 in Perth Tas reg no.3207, and died February 08, 1991 in NESM Hospital, Scotsdale Tas age 80. He married BLANCHE ISOBEL BOWMAN. She was born Abt. 1912, and died November 18, 1982 in Branxholm Tas age 70.

Children of AUBREY ATKINS and BLANCHE BOWMAN are:

1. BARBARA FLORENCE⁶ ATKINS, d. August 22, 1998, Launceston Tas; m. DAVID JOHN CUNNINGHAM.

2. JENNIFER ISOBEL ATKINS, m. RICHARD MOUNTNEY (FRANK???).

3. DAVID WILLIAM ATKINS, m. YVONNE WHELAN.

12. KEITH DAVID⁵ ATKINS (ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born April 11, 1918 in 163 George Street, Launceston Tas eg no. 752, and died April 12, 1992 in LGH Launceston Tas. He married EDITH ELLEN MCQUAY October 10, 1942 in Per Examiner, daughter of SIDNEY MCQUAY and ESTHER. She was born October 01, 1918, and died February 01, 1999 in Launceston Tas.

Children of KEITH ATKINS and EDITH MCQUAY are:

1. WAYNE KENNETH⁶ ATKINS, b. December 11, 1943, Naldera Priv Hosp per Examiner; m. MARGARET O'MARA.

2. FAYE ESTHER ATKINS, b. November 22, 1947, St Ives Priv Hosp per Examiner; m. GARY SCHULTZ.

3. PHILLIP JOHN ATKINS, b. May 29, 1950, QVH Launceston per Examiner; m. CHERYL STEVENSON.

13. MARJORIE AMELIA⁵ ATKINS (ISOBELLA⁴ TROTTER, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born 1924. She married BERT CUNNINGHAM.

Child of MARJORIE ATKINS and BERT CUNNINGHAM is:

1. CHRISTINE ISABEL⁶ CUNNINGHAM, b. July 23, 1954, QVH Launceston per Examiner; m. DAVID JOHN QUILL.

14. KATHLEEN GRACE⁵ TROTTER (WILLIAM ANDREW⁴, WILLIAM BURNS³, ANDREW², JAMES¹) was born June 22, 1915 in 155 George Street, Launceston Tas reg no. 5179, and died September 01, 2003 in Hobart Tas. She married JOSEPH HOWARD COOPER, son of WILLIAM COOPER and ELLEN. He was born December 05, 1894 in Sydney NSW (war records) reg no. 1220/1895 Ashfield, and died November 10, 1971 in Hobart Tas.

Children of KATHLEEN TROTTER and JOSEPH COOPER are:

1. ROBYN⁶ COOPER, m. PAUL ??.

2. MICHAEL COOPER.

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