Robert Dowling
Born: September 1836
Died: 21 September 1925
Son of James Dowling and Eliza Keane
Brother of Mary Ann, William, Laurence, Eliza and James
Married to Margaret (Maggie) Gartland, 11 April 1872
Children: Laurence, Emily, Elizabeth, William.
FACTS
According to Willie, Robert worked mainly as a Solicitors' Clerk in the Ennis' office. These were old friends of his father's who lived on Grosvenor Road. Pettigrew & Oulton's Almanac of 1841 lists a R. Ennis, sol. at 24 Essex Quay.
Immediately after his marriage in 1872 Robert left with Maggie for the US. There he met his brothers, Laurence and William, as well as several of the Gartlands (his in-laws). His first three children, Laurence, Emily and Elizabeth, were all born in the States. Elizabeth at least was born in Brooklyn. Emily died there while still an infant.
Robert and Maggie returned to Ireland with Laurence and Elizabeth in late 1877 or early 1878. Willie was born soon afterwards at 43 Synge Street, according to Kathleen.
Thereafter they spent some time in Harolds Cross Road. Kathleen remembers her father pointing out the house to her - opposite the cemetry near to the Poor Clare Convent. The spot she describes coincides with 53 Harolds Cross, which Thoms Directory of 1891 gives as being occupied by Mrs Gartland. Perhaps Maggie's mother?
Shortly after they moved to a permanent address at 11 Rugby Road, Ranelagh.
It is, above all, Robert's fault that this web site exists. It was he who acquired his eldest sister's notes (sent to him in America, or retrieved upon his return?) and he who ensured that my grandfather was entrusted with the safe keeping of Aunt Anne. He also preserved the cutlass and foils owned by his grandfather, which were later lost in Liverpool.
Robert's career
Robert and Maggie
Testimonials of Mr Robert Dowling
The Medal of the Royal Humane Society
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