Ernest Atherton

Ernest Albert Atherton (22 March 1879 – 29 June 1954) was a farmer and member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

Early days Atherton was the youngest son of John Atherton (pioneer) and his wife Catherine (née Grainger). He was educated at Cairns State School and also received private tuition in Port Douglas. When he finished his education he spent time as a butcher and storekeeper before becoming a sugar cane and dairy farmer. He was immediately elevated to the ministry as the Secretary for Mines in the Moore Ministry but by the 1932 state election Chillagoe had been abolished. He stood for the new seat of The Tableland, but was defeated by Labor candidate Harry Bruce.

Personal life On 10 April 1912, Atherton married Honoria Christiana Svendsen

Atherton died in June 1954 and was buried in the Atherton family cemetery at Emerald End.