History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Alexander Kyle Lawton

Alexander Kyle Lawton was a well known early wireless experimenter in the period before WW1. He was a member of the brief lived Wireless Institute of Queensland, and continued his interest through the Queensland Wireless Institute post WW1, holding several official positions, ultimately appointed president in the mid 1920s. He was a contemporary of Edward Gustavus Campbell Barton and was a member of the Queensland Electrical Association with Barton in the 1890s. He was tutored through his engineering diploma by no less than John Hesketh. He was originally a mechanic with the Qld Posts and Telegraphs, transitioning into the Commonwealth Postmaster-General's Department upon federation. He left the public service in the early 1920s and was employed by, and eventually a major shareholder in Amico. Queensland's Wireless Broadcasting Committee, which funded the re-establishment of 4CM pending the establishment of 4QG, was first promoted by Lawton, then funded significantly by Amico. When that firm was liquidated in the late 1920s, he took a number of sales and managerial roles. The amateur radio community tends to overlook the role played by the several prominent persons associated with the Queensland Wireless Institute. However Lawnton and his contemporaries played a major factor in the transition from wireless experimenting to the hobby of amateur radio. A summary biography has not yet been prepared however the following resources have been assembled in preparation:

• Transcriptions and Notes - Alexander Kyle Lawton - More than 50 transcriptions and notes
• Photos, QSL cards and other graphics - Alexander Kyle Lawton - Nothing uploaded as yet

Draft Article Framework

1887 06 11 - Albert Lawton living in Albion, Brisbane per Funeral notice for his sister Alice Lawton

1902 09 29 - Lawton commences with PMGD as Messenger

1909 12 04 - Lawton relocates to Toowoomba from Brisbane, PMGD position still Junior Instrument Fitter

1911 01 31 - Lawton resigns from the public service (Toowoomba position)

1912 07 08 - Lawton marries Nellie Brook in Brisbane, returns to live in Toowoomba.

1913 12 29 - Lawton returns to public service, appointed as Mechanic following exam and probation.

1918 11 30 - Lawton resigns from the PMGD and the public service.

1922 03 22 - Lawton transfers as salesman with Paramount Film Service from Brisbane to Sydney

1933 10 26 - Lawton's father living in Brisbane, per Funeral Notice for Lawton's uncle Herbert