Atkinson, Henry Brune, (jnr)   (1874 - 1960)

Henry Brune Atkinson jnr was born at Gordon, south eastern Tas, on 17 March 1874; died at Riverside, ca.4 km northwest of Launceston, Tas, on 16 June 1960.

Son of Henry Dresser and Sarah Ann Atkinson, Henry Brune Atkinson was born at Gordon, south eastern Tas and followed in his father's footsteps to become a clergyman. He was educated at Stanley State and Church Grammar Schools, Launceston, and University of Tasmania where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1899.

He was ordained a deacon at the Holy Trinity Church, Launceston on 24 March 1901 and went on to hold many church positions in Tasmania.

Henry's childhood interest in orchids was revived in the 1920s and he was active in the classification and collection of Tasmanian orchids, eventually recording 24 previously unknown species.

Despite his heavy religious schedules, Henry jnr found leisure time for motor-cycle racing, cricket, golf and rifle shooting. He continued to be active in retirement, spending time in his garden, collecting shells, and enjoying music and books. He continued to preach until his death at Launceston on 16 June 1960.

Source: Extracted from: 'Passions in Ornithology: A century of Australian Egg Collectors' (2020), Mason & Pfitzner, Canberra.
Portrait Photo: Extracted from above.

Collecting localities for 'Atkinson, H.B.' from AVH (2021)

Data from 99 specimens