Views: 721
Main List
The Royal Humane Society |
Small type, to 'Rev. S. Atkinson, 15, August, 1870', a rescue at Newbiggin, Northumberland. EF, £340
Small type, named 'Rev. S. Atkinson, 15, August, 1870.' With ribbon buckle. RHS case no 18631: At 4pm on 15 August 1870 Mrs E Watson (45) was bathing in the sea at Newbiggin, Northumberland, when she got into difficulties and sank. The Reverend Samuel Atkinson, from Eighton Banks, Durham, swam out, supported Mrs Watson, and managed to bring her ashore in an exhausted state. She was subsequently taken home to recover from her ordeal. The case was brought to the attention of the RHS by James Atkinson and the Society approved the award of its bronze medal to the Reverend Atkinson at its committee meeting on 18 October 1870. The bronze medal was despatched to James Atkinson on 17 November for him to arrange its presentation.
The Atkinsons were a distinguished Anglo-Irish family. The eldest son of Thomas Atkinson of New Park, Co Monaghan, Samuel Atkinson was born on 3 April 1831 in Annaghabane. Having attended St Aidan's Theological College in 1856, the Rev Atkinson worked as a Church of England Vicar in Durham, then Washington, before moving to Gateshead and Chap., Newcastle on Tyne, where he worked as a Curate from 1860 to 1865. He married Jane Longridge Hawks, the eldest daughter of the late George Hawks, JP, DL, of Redheugh Hall, Gateshead, on 1 November 1864 in Gateshead (Newcastle Courant, Friday 4 November 1864, p. 8). Together they would have one child, a daughter (Elizabeth), who was born in about 1866. Reverend Atkinson moved to Eighton Banks, Co Durham, in 1865, where he served as the local vicar until 1898. Samuel Atkinson then appears to have moved back to Ireland, setting in Tullyglush House, Keady, Co Armagh. He lost his sight in his old age. Reverend Atkinson died at his home in Keady on 22 March 1916 and was buried in Dartrey cemetary (between Cootehill and Rockcorry villages). Probate on his will was granted on 9 June 1916, Atkinson's effects totaling £11,002.9.6. Mrs Jane Atkinson did not survive her husband long; she died on 26 December 1916. With RHS, census, marriage, genealogical and other research details. EF. £340.
