Robert CLARK (1851-1932)

ROBERT CLARK, agriculturist and grazier, Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island, is the only son of the late Mr. Thomas Clark, who came to Australia in 1835,, and ultimately settled on Kangaroo Island. The gentleman under review was born at Port Victor in 1851, and from an early age followed farming and grazing pursuits under the guidance of his father. After the death of the latter he came in 1873 to the southwestern portion of the island and took up a tract of country, upon which he commenced operations on his own account. Not meeting with much success he turned his attention to Antechamber Bay, and purchasing 400 acres of land also acquired 2,500 acres under perpetual lease and 1,500 acres under educational lease, devoting the latter properties to purposes of grazing. The freehold he has brought under cultivation, chiefly of barley, and results in this department have been very satisfactory. He favours the merino type of sheep, and has an excellent yearly clip, which brings in good returns.

Another branch of his industry is the gathering of large quantities of yacka gum from the island, of which he exports many tons annually. The homestead is prettily situated ated, commanding a fine view of the open ocean on the southern coast, and may be considered as located in one of the many beauty-spots of the place.

Mr. Clark has always taken a keen interest in all local matters, and has been connected with the District Council of Dudley for many years. In 1874 he married Fanny, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Young Lashmar, of Antechamber Bay, and has five sons (all of whom assist in the work of the farm) and two daughters.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia 1909, pp.1021-1022