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Arthur Macdonald Ritchie (1819–1878)

We learn from a Launceston journal that there died in the hospital of that town on the 16th May last, one who had given much unfulfilled promise. Mr. Arthur Macdonald Ritchie claimed to be of the Blaxland family, one of the oldest and most respected in New South Wales. He was educated in the late Mr. Cape's school, in Sydney, having there for his associates Sir James Martin, Mr Wyndeyer, Mr. Foster, and others, now men of mark in that colony. Destined for the law, he entered one of the English Universities, and whilst there became the companion of the late Shirley Brooks, Tom Taylor, and others connected with literature. Having taken his degrees he was admitted as a member of the Kirkdale Temple, after which he accepted a position on the Times, being Dr. Russell's predecessor. Accepting an invitation, he went to Bombay, and was the editor of the Daily Times. This position he abandoned, and became Registrar of the Supreme Court of Bombay. We know not how long he was in this office, but some two years back he had returned to Sydney in quest of health and employment. In Sir James Martin he again found an old friend, and with Sir James's introductions Mr. Ritchie came to Tasmania, tried Hobart Town unsuccessfully, and finally settled at Latrobe. There he had a small practice, and was a contributor to the local newspaper. He had, friends, but his health was gone, and to be better cared for he was sent to the Launceston Hospital. Be arrived there utterly unknown; and though the profession would gladly have assisted him had they been aware of his circumstances, he preferred to suffer in silence. The Rev. W. Law by chance heard of the invalid and immediately went to the hospital to see him, but then ? ? Four or five days after being ? ? the great majority, and the official described him as a 'labourer'.

Original publication

Additional Resources and Scholarship

  • death notice, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 September 1878, p 1

Citation details

'Ritchie, Arthur Macdonald (1819–1878)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/ritchie-arthur-macdonald-28588/text36121, accessed 10 November 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

25 August, 1819
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Death

16 May, 1878 (aged 58)
Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Cause of Death

skin disease

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Education
Occupation or Descriptor