Page:Notable South Australians.djvu/37

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
OR, COLONISTS—PAST AND PRESENT.
21

Rev. Percy Wilson.

THE first Head Master of St. Peter's College, to take which position he came out with Bishop Short. He returned to England, where he held a living near Shrewsbury, and afterwards at Pavenham, Bedfordshire, where he died. He is well-known to temperance advocates as the author of "Frank Oldfield," a prize tale of great merit, and the scene of the story was laid in this colony. Through the kte C. A. Wilson, his brother, the sons of the Rev. P. Wilson, who are recognised in literary circles as possessing much ability, have from time to time contributed most interesting accounts of their travels and experiences to the Adelaide press.


Robert George Thomas

BORN in 1820; died at Unley, April 14, 1884. Eldest son of the late Mr. Robert Thomas, of the Register, and also elder brother of the late Mr. William Kyffin Thomas. On May 1, 1836, he left England in the "Rapid," which had on board Colonel Light and Mr. George Kingston. The Colonel had just been appointed Surveyor-General for the new colony of South Australia, and Mr. Kingston was the second in command. They took out a staff of surveyors and draftsmen, and Mr. Thomas was one of those engaged for some years in surveys of Adelaide and the Port, and he was the draftsman of the original plan of the City. After remaining in Adelaide for some time, he returned to England and completed his education as civil engineer and architect. He became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and was an active member of that institution. He practised his profession in Newport, Monmouthshire, and was architect of churches and buildings of considerable note. He was a great admirer of the Gothic style of architecture, and New-