William ROBSON

ROBSON, WILLIAM (b. Newcastle, NSW, 21 Dec 1843; d. Wollongong, NSW, 25 Oct 1920). Methodist layman and parliamentarian.

After attending school at East Maitland and Wollongong Robson worked in the office of his father's Mount Keira coalmine. At 15 years of age he became a Wesleyan Methodist local preacher, and in 1864 he entered the Methodist ministry. He served in country circuits and in the Newcastle district until 1869 when he resigned because of throat trouble. He continued as a local preacher. He was a member of the NSW conference, a delegate to every Australasian General Conference from 1884, treasurer of various church funds, member of Newington College and Wesley College Councils, and a keen protagonist for Methodist Union. As an MLC he fought for the reform of liquor and gambling laws. A man of striking personality he worked for the promotion of purity and righteousness. A devout Christian, he was among the most prominent laymen of Australian Methodism.

ADB II; Methodist, 6 Nov 1920

ERIC G CLANCY