R. G. Perkins
Robert Gordon Perkins (17/08/1834 - 12/07/1919) was an Etorean locomotive engineer. He was born in Middleford into a Potter family.
R. G. Perkins, known as Bobby to his friends and family, was the eldest (and only) son of Wilson Perkins (1807 - 1893) and Adelaide Perkins (Née Sharpe, 1809 - 1902). His great - grandfather, Thomas Adolph Perkins (1724 - 1813), started the family pottery in 1756. He was expected to take over the buisness after his 18th birthday. However this did not happen as he trained in engineering instead. He was born at the family home at Brook Hill in Middleford. He started attending Brantage School for Boys from the age of 5 (1839), he remained there until he turned 11 (1845). From the age of 11 he started attending Brook Hill Secondary School where he studied engineering.
From the age of 16, he was apprenticed at the Somerley Works of the Midland Railway under the locomotive superintendant, Charles Thorne. In 1853 he was given a job at Somerley Works by Charles Thorne, he worked here until 1885. During his time at Somerley Works he met Alexandra Tyler (Charles Thorne's Neice), he later married her. Together they had 4 children. In 1887, was appointed as the locomotive superintendant of the South Western Railway. He retired in 1907, being replaced by Wilfred Holmes. He died at his seaside home in Falmore due to ill health on 12th July 1919 at the age of 84.
Locomotive Designs:SWR D9 Class (M&GWR C10 Class 0-6-0)
SWR L1 Class 2-4-0
SWR G3 Class 0-6-0 Tram
R. G. Perkins, known as Bobby to his friends and family, was the eldest (and only) son of Wilson Perkins (1807 - 1893) and Adelaide Perkins (Née Sharpe, 1809 - 1902). His great - grandfather, Thomas Adolph Perkins (1724 - 1813), started the family pottery in 1756. He was expected to take over the buisness after his 18th birthday. However this did not happen as he trained in engineering instead. He was born at the family home at Brook Hill in Middleford. He started attending Brantage School for Boys from the age of 5 (1839), he remained there until he turned 11 (1845). From the age of 11 he started attending Brook Hill Secondary School where he studied engineering.
From the age of 16, he was apprenticed at the Somerley Works of the Midland Railway under the locomotive superintendant, Charles Thorne. In 1853 he was given a job at Somerley Works by Charles Thorne, he worked here until 1885. During his time at Somerley Works he met Alexandra Tyler (Charles Thorne's Neice), he later married her. Together they had 4 children. In 1887, was appointed as the locomotive superintendant of the South Western Railway. He retired in 1907, being replaced by Wilfred Holmes. He died at his seaside home in Falmore due to ill health on 12th July 1919 at the age of 84.
Locomotive Designs:
Children
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