BARR, Robert 1814-1879
Robert and Mary Barr migrated from Londonderry in Ireland arriving in Sydney in 1842. Robert was a trained printer and found work at the Sydney Morning Herald. He subsequently worked as a printer and/or publisher of various newspapers including Colonial Observer, The Sentinel, The Citizen, The Gleaner, The Empire and Witness. Around 1858, the family relocated to Kiama where he worked on the Kiama Examiner. From 1863 to 1867, Robert was in partnership with Joseph Weston publishing the Kiama Independent. He branched out on his own publishing The Pilot. The venture was not successful and Robert returned to working as a printer with Joseph Westion. He died of lung disease on 9 November 1879. Robert was recognised by colleagues in the printing and newpaper industries for his technical expertise and his contribution to newpaper publishing.
| Robert Barr biography | Pioneer newspaper printer and publisher |