Sir Robert Andrews Mackenzie-Douglas, 3rd Bart
Sir
Robert Andrews Mackenzie-Douglas, 3rd Bart of Glenbervie (1837-1884)
was the son of Sir Robert Andrews MacKenzie-Douglas, 2nd Baronet,
who had married his sister-in-law, Martha Elizabeth, daughter of
Joshua Rouse, of Southampton.
Sir Robert Douglas married Eleanor when he was twenty-eight, having
been born in London, England, in 1837. At the age of seventeen, by
purchase he had joined the 57th, a Middlesex Regiment, as an ensign,
and he had served in the Crimea, the Arab Peninsula, and India
before being ordered to New Zealand. Just a few months prior
to wedding Eleanor, on 20 January, 1866, Douglas commanded a
detachment of the 57th Regiment of Foot in an attack on a Hauhau
village as part of a column led by a Lieutenant-Colonel Butler.
Although they initially planned to build a house in Wanganui,
Eleanor and her husband built their house, at Glenbervie, North
Auckland . They called it “Bleak House,” perhaps a reference to the
Charles Dickens novel.
Sir Robert became prominent in New Zealand local and national
politics, but died in 1884 at the age of forty-seven. On 28
February, 1884, the Wanganui Herald reported his death earlier in
the day at the house of his brother-in-law, Mr. C. H. Ashcroft, the
husband of Eleanor’s sister Maria Huntley Liffiton.
The Death of Sir Robert Douglas (from the Wanganui Chronicle)
For some time past the serious illness of Sir Robert Douglas has
in a measure prepared his friends for the intelligence that at an
early hour this morning he passed away. Since his arrival from
Auckland he has been residing with his brother-in-law, Mr. C. H.
Ashforth, the change of air being considered beneficial.
Notwithstanding the most assiduous care and attention, Sir Robert
gradually sank, the end arriving at four o’clock .
Sir Robert
Douglas was born in July 1837. He was educated at first in Jersey,
completing his studies in Hampshire. He was gazetted into the 57th
Regiment in 1854 and very quickly was on active service in the
Crimean war. He was present at the storming of Sebastopol , and the
capture of Kinburn, receiving the Crimean medal and clasp, and the
Turkish War medal. He next served against the Arabs at Aden, and was
present at the capture at Sheikothman. From Arabia to India was but
a short step, and the young officer took part in the suppression of
the terrible Indian mutiny. The 57th were afterwards dispatched to
New Zealand, and Sir Robert served in the campaign on this Coast,
being present at various skirmishes, and at Nukumaru, receiving the
honor of mention in general orders. For ten years he commanded a
company of the old “Die Hards,” finally retiring by sale of
commission, and settling in this colony where he had married and was
possessed of property.
There are many members of the old
Regiment settled in this district who will hear with sincere sorrow
of the early death of their old commander. Sir Robert was
exceedingly popular in the Regiment, the men looking upon him as a
fearless leader and a considerate and liberal officer. From his
residence on this Coast[1] during a stirring period, he naturally made
many warm friends, and we feel sure the news of his decease will be
received with deep regret.
Sir Robert Douglas was a public
man, well known in political circles. For many years he was member
of the Auckland Provincial Council, and at the general election of
1876 he was returned to the House of Representatives for the
district of Marsden, which he represented until 1879. During the
time he was a representative he was distinguished by great activity
and energy, and perhaps did more than any other man in the House to
keep the Opposition from falling to pieces during the ascendancy of
Sir George Grey. He was never disheartened, and fought a losing
battle perhaps better than any man in the house. He was a man of the
most generous and kindly disposition, sparing no exertions to serve
his party or his friend.
We understand that the funeral will
take place at 3 p.m.
Notes:
- Sir Robert Andrews Mackenzie-Douglas, 3rd Bart of Glenbervie died
on 28th February 1884 at Wanganui, New Zealand.
- the western coastline of the
North Island around Wanganui (now spelt Whanganui).
Eleanor Louisa Liffiton (1845-1914). After employment as
housekeeper to Sir Robert Douglas, Eleanor married him to become
Lady Eleanor.
The Glenbervie estate
at Wanganui, New Zealand. They called it “Bleak House,”
perhaps a reference to the Charles Dickens novel.
See also:
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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