Robert (or Rabert) Clark Fisher was born on the 17th of July 1826 at Wolker on Tyne, Northumberland. He was the son of Robert (or Rabert) Clark of Longbenton, Northumberland.
Robert Fisher was the eminent mining engineer, who examined the Garnant Colliery site on the Saturday after the accident. He had a great granddaughter who married the grandson of Christian Henry Perkins, of the Perkins family who once owned "Pwll Perkins". (I have not disclosed their names to respect their privacy.)
It was announced in the 25th January, 1884 edition of "The Cambrian" newspaper, that Robert C. Fisher, Mining Engineer, Late of Ystalyfera, died on January 19th, at Garnant. He was aged 57.
On the same date, the "Colliery Guardian" reported that Mr R.C. Fisher, an eminent mining engineer, had visited the Cwmamman Colliery on Saturday, in company with Mr. G. J. May, the manager for Messrs. George Elliot and Co.(the rope manufacturers). He examined the scene of the recent fatal accident "very minutely". He seemed to be in perfect health, and returned to Garnant Station with Mr. May. While waiting on the station, and without a moment's warning, he fell dead. The cause of death is supposed to have been heart disease.
The Carmarthen Journal also reported the death of Mr R. C. Fisher; "engineer and colliery manager of Cleveland Terrace, Swansea". The inquest was held at the Raven Inn and a verdict of "natural causes" was returned.
The "Llanelly and County Guardian", in their Jan 24th, 1884 edition of the paper, also reported the incident. Mr R. C. Fisher was reportedly in the company of Mr May, awaiting the 1:55pm train to Swansea, when he suddenly fell backwards and died within minutes. His body was taken to the Raven Inn, Garnant, until after his inquest was held, two days later on the Monday. Mr, Rowlands, the coroner, returned a verdict of death by natural causes. That evening, Mr Rowlands' body was taken by train to his home at Walters Road, Swansea. His funeral took place on Wednesday the 23rd of January, 1884. The location of the burial was not stated.
The report did, however, give us a glimpse of Robert Fishers' character. It stated that he was very highly respected for his genial temperament and for the courtesy that he displayed towards all.
The 11th January, 1934, edition of the Amman Valley Chronicle gave an account of the Garnant Colliery Disaster on the 50th anniversary of the event. When Mr J. T. Edwards resigned as headmaster of Garnant School in 1934, his resignation letter included a reference to the "day of gloom in the Garnant district." His letter also stated that Mr R. C. Fisher was accompanied by his son, Mr E. R. Fisher, formerly of Wansbeck and then Swansea, when he visited Garnant Colliery. When Mr R. C. Fisher walked to Garnant station to catch the train, his son went on to Brynamman.
Several announcements appeared in "The Cambrian" newspaper, regarding Robert Fisher. These include:
Robert Clark Fisher's son, E. R. Fisher, became the manager of Gellyceidrim Colliery; a post he maintained for 17 years until his retirement in 1921.