Towns, Robert, 1794 – 1873

Robert Towns (1794-1873), merchant and parliamentarian, was born at Northumberland England, son of Edward and Ann Towns. He arrived at Sydney in 1827 in command of a merchant ship and subsequently visited frequently with cargo until settling in 1843. He established a mercantile and shipping business. His firm had wide and varied commercial interests including cotton growing, whaling, meat packing and importing. Towns was appointed to the NSW Legislative Council (1856-1861, 1863-1873).