James Drummond Doyle (c1855-1899)
1900 Obituary [1]
JAMES DRUMMOND DOYLE, who died at the age of forty-four, on the 7th of December, 1899, was the son of a well-known Australian journalist.
He commenced his life's work at the age of thirteen in the Department of Railways in Victoria. Having matriculated at the University at the same age, he continued his studies whilst still engaged in official work, with a view to joining the legal profession. In the end, however, he decided not to sever his connection with the railway, and whilst still quite young became manager of the chief railway telegraph office in Melbourne.
In 1891 the offices of Telegraph and Traffic Inspector were united, and Mr. Doyle, at his own request, obtained the position of Chief Clerk in the Locomotive Branch, which necessitated less travelling than would devolve upon the holder of the joint inspectorship. He acted for a time as one of the electricians of the Naval Torpedo School in Melbourne, and was a member of several important commissions. His energy, ability, and conscientious work earned for him the confidence and respect of his Department, and his personal character endeared him to those with whom he was brought in contact.
Mr. Doyle was elected an Associate of this Institution, then the Society of Telegraph Engineers, on the 12th of December, 1877, and was transferred to the class of Members on the 24th of November, 1881.