Robert James, born 1810 arrived as a convict, Libraries Tasmanian, PH30-1-8854
From “Coroner’s Inquest”
Robert James, a man of color, deposed that he kept a board and lodging house in Cross- street; he identified the body as that of Margaret Roberts wife of Jesse Roberts, second mate of the Runnymede, whaler, and proved that he was present at the marriage: but they had lived apart between five and six years, owing to deceased’s inclination for evil courses. She was witness’s wife’s sister, and was 23 years of age.
The Mercury, 26 July 1861
Libraries Tasmania RGD37/1/13 no 687
17 April 1854, Hobart Town, Church of St Joseph
Robert James, 33, Seaman m Lucinda Linn, 22, Servant
From “Police Court::
Burglary. – William Ward, alias Moore, John Robertson, and George Edwards, were charged by Detective Constable Maguire with having burglariously entered, on the night of the 20th inst., the premises of one Robert James, a man of colour, in Lower Collins-street, and stealing therefrom two pairs of boots, and other articles to the value of £9, the property of Henry Edwards, an intelligent New Zealander, and third mate of the whaling barque Sussex, now lying in this port. The prosecutor lodged in a detached cottage in the occupation of Robert James and on Saturday night last returned home, and went to bed locking the outer door of the premises.
Hobart Town Daily, 26 August 1859
Libraries Tasmania, RGD35/1/15 no 1017
DEATHS IN THE DISTRICT OF HOBART
1 December 1896 / Robert James, Born England / Male / 86 years / Laborer/ Old Age, Dr. Butler
JAMES.—On Tuesday, December 1, 1896, at his residence, Sackville-street, Robert James, in the 86th year of his age.’ Deeply regretted by all who knew him. Funeral will leave his late residence on FRIDAY MORNING, at half-past 9, for Cornelian Bay Cemetery.
The Mercury, 3 December 1896
The photo at the top appeared in the Tasmanian Mail, 12 December 1896, p. 19 with the accompanying text:
“BLACK” JAMES
One of the oldest identities of Hobart has passed away, in the person of Robert James, for many years a resident of Hobart. He died last week in Sackville-street, aged 86 years, and leaves quite a large family of children and grandchildren behind him. He came here from Demerara, being a native of that place, and used to boast that he had been over 60 years in Hobart, and was one of its oldest citizens.
Libraries Tasmania, AF70-1-22 (BU 10864) Cornelian Bay, Roman Catholic, Section D, Number 116
HOBART PUBLIC CEMETERY
Form of Instructions for Graves
1.What denomination? Ch of Rome
2. Name of deceased? Robert James
3. Late Residence of deceased ? Sackville St
4. Rank of deceased ? Householder
5. Age of deceased ? 86 years
6. Where born? Barbadoes
[Rest of form is about service/grave details, not personal details]