Peter O'Reilly Diaries
Permanent URI for this collection
Peter O’Reilly (b. 27 March 1827; d. 3 September 1905) was a prominent settler and official in British Columbia who held a variety of government positions, most notably as the head of the Indian Reserve Commission struck to revise and allocate reserves throughout the province. O’Reilly’s personal diaries from 1858 to 1905 were transcribed by volunteers from the Vancouver Island Local History Society (VILHS) which operated Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens in Victoria from 2019 to 2023. Point Ellice House was home to the O'Reilly family from 1867 to 1975. These transcriptions are for informational purposes only and researchers are advised to consult the original documents housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, found in the O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894).
Browse
Browsing Peter O'Reilly Diaries by Date Added
Now showing 1 - 20 of 48
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1905(1905) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O’Reilly begins the year again with a cold, continues to attend director’s meetings of Albion Iron Works – the usual visitors call at Point Ellice throughout the month – first outing on January 24th with a visit to Mrs Sarah Pearse. FEBRUARY Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly and friends go ice skating at Colwood and Langford Lake – business of Albion Iron Works “unsatisfactory” – meeting of Christ Church Cathedral trustees – “My cold very heavy, remained in bed” – Sir Henry Crease, whom Peter had known since 1860, passes away at age 82. MARCH Peter’s front teeth replaced - vegetable gardens and flower beds prepared for spring planting, early cabbage planted – Point Ellice property surveyed for the purpose of bringing in a new water line from Goldstream – Captain Herbert Lewis, whom Peter had known since 1859, passes away at age 77. APRIL Peter, Kit, and Jack O’Reilly work in the garden, employees plant potatoes in the field – Christ Church trustees meeting – Herbert Dodgson quits employment with Albion Iron Works. MAY Jeanie Dewdney, wife of Edgar Dewdney, in poor health - Frank and Kathleen O’Reilly call on Mrs Dewdney in concern for her well-being - family and friends go to the Gorge to enjoy Victoria Day festivities and fireworks. JUNE The family continues to attend church at St Saviour’s (Victoria West) and at St Paul’s (Esquimalt) – employee Thomas Varley quits and goes to England - death of James Allan Grahame, long-time HBC employee - Esquimalt Water Works to purchase 4000 additional acres to add to Goldstream watershed – first payments go out to beneficiaries of Joseph Trutch’s estate following his 1904 death. JULY July weather “roasting hot” - Peter attends meetings of Albion Iron Works and the Victoria Gas Company – friends and family play croquet - Jack returns to Vancouver to play in a croquet tournament - Peter sells his Gas Works stock for $9400 and receives $4000 from the Joseph Trutch estate - Kit works in her garden. AUGUST Christ Church trustees meeting - money deposited in the bank as a legacy for Kathleen O’Reilly - shingling of the house commences – visits with Mrs Pearse and Mrs Charles – August 20th - “Seedy all through the night, “Heartburn” – last diary entry written on August 21st. Peter O’Reilly died from heart failure on September 3, 1905, at age 78.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1904(1904) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O’Reilly begins the year with heavy cold – Steamer Clallam sinks in a storm near Victoria, 56 passengers and crew are lost – Frank O’Reilly surveys a laneway at Fairfield, returns to his work in the West Kootenay area – wedding of Harry Pooley and Laura Loewen. FEBRUARY Albion Iron Works shows a “heavy loss” – Clement Cornwall recuperates at Point Ellice after leaving hospital – Peter comes down with another cold – Victoria Gas Co shows another “discouraging” report and reduces dividends. MARCH “Another dear old friend gone”, the death of Peter’s brother-in-law Joseph Trutch in England at age 78 – Peter and Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly visit the new Point Ellice bridge replacing the previous bridge which partially collapsed in 1896 – Jack O’Reilly goes hunting on Discovery Island – Louisa D Ellis, sister of Thomas Ellis, arrives for a visit. APRIL Louisa D Ellis leaves for Penticton - Kathleen “Kit” and Jack go golfing - Peter is troubled by his leg injured in an 1885 carriage accident, frequently rests in bed – Harold Twigg and Harold Payne are frequently at tea and dinner. MAY Meetings continue regarding the poor financial state of Albion Iron Works, receiver appointed on behalf of the bond holders of Albion - regatta and fireworks on the Gorge for Victoria Day - Jack salvages wood from old Point Ellice bridge - drawing room repainted – Peter visits Major George Dyne and Mrs Sarah Pearse. JUNE Pleasure trips up the Gorge on the boat “Puffer” – Major Dyne treated for appendicitis – death of Fanny Dodgson after an extended illness and hospitalization. JULY Jacks suffers from lumbago – Harold Twigg passes his law exam - Dr Jones operates on Frank’s finger “without the use of Ether” - Peter has another shivering attack – death of lawyer Hugh Aikman, “Another good old timer gone”. AUGUST Esquimalt Water Works dividend declared, operational report not encouraging - a fire at Albion Iron Works causes serious damage, Peter and Kathleen view the destruction – frequent visits with Sarah Pearse - Reverend Barber decides to leave St Saviour’s Church for health reasons despite Peter’s advice to stay - Jack wins the croquet tournament in Vancouver for the third time. SEPTEMBER Peter’s leg “troublesome” – Labour Day parade in Victoria - Peter experiences a “Seedy bad attack of Shivers Violent persperation during the night.” - Kit and Peter attend the agricultural exhibition in Saanich and watch horse races. OCTOBER Jack goes hunting on Moresby and Prevost Islands, often bringing back grouse, pheasants, brant, quail, and snipe for friends – Kathleen and Polly Payne play golf at Macaulay Point - Kathleen and Peter attend consecration of the St Paul’s or “Esquimalt” Church moved to its new location - Peter experiences another “Bad attack of shivers, in bed most of the day”. NOVEMBER Jack goes hunting and Kit plays golf - mangolds harvested from the field and stored for the winter – Robert Jackson has a “slight stroke of Paralysis”. DECEMBER Peter pays last doctor bills for Fanny Dodgson - Kathleen gives away old clothes, writes Christmas cards – Point Ellice holly distributed to friends – Peter notes his wedding anniversary (1863) and the death of his wife Caroline (1899) – Kathleen plays golf and Jack goes hunting - three of Peter’s teeth are removed.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1903(1903) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter starts year with a heavy cold - Frank O’Reilly begins surveying the Trutch estate “Fairfield” for the purpose of subdividing it into building lots – Peter attends directors’ meetings of Albion Iron Works – Edgar Crow Baker proposes a tenant for Fairfield without payment for the orchard. FEBRUARY Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly and brother Frank play golf at Macaulay Point – annual meeting of Albion Iron Works, dividend declared - Frank attends a mining convention in Nelson, BC. MARCH Peter injures his leg in a fall, remains weak and in pain for three weeks - agreement to sell Gisburn estate for $23,000 – Frank writes diary entries for his father for two weeks - home improvements at Point Ellice proceed including plastering and painting. APRIL Home improvements and repairs continue - vegetable planting commences, and trees are pruned - removal of the Fairfield orchard begins to accommodate the development of the new building lots – wedding of Nelly Drake and Arthur Crease - Frank returns to Nelson. MAY Apple trees cleared from Fairfield – Roland Stuart leaves for England - deaths of Joseph Loewen and long-time friend William Charles, both funerals well attended. JUNE Employee Waite and cook “Duck” quit - death of Mrs Aikman – Kit takes Marjorie Pinder to Portland for school – Jack O’Reilly goes boating on Frank Barnard’s yacht - death of Mrs Beanlands – employee Preston gives notice to quit - Captain Elliott leaves for England - “Drove to Pentrelew to see old Crease, “saw him in his chair in the pouring rain”. JULY Family friend Fanny Dodgson taken to St Josephs Hospital, Kit arranges her nursing care, Peter pays her hospital expenses – directors’ meetings of Albion Iron Works - death of Admiral Richard Hare in England – Jack wins first prize at Edgar Crow Baker’s croquet tournament. AUGUST Peter gets the first of several shivering fits which confine him to bed - Jack wins the Vancouver croquet tournament cup for a second year in a row – Kathleen attends a tennis tournament – Peter congratulates Sir Henry Crease on his 80th birthday - electric lighting added to the Point Ellice cellar. SEPTEMBER Joseph Trutch suffers a stroke at his home in England, reports not encouraging as to his recovery - Peter deals with another severe cold – the Paynes arrive at Point Ellice from Saturna Island. OCTOBER Kathleen supervises Chinese workers in the garden - Kathleen and Peter attend Saanich agricultural show – regarding Joseph Trutch “all hope of Joe’s recovery given up” – Jack attends Vancouver Island Fish and Game Club meeting - Peter visits Fanny Dodgson at St Joseph’s Hospital and continues to pay her medical expenses. NOVEMBER A kennel is built for Jack’s dogs - an inspection of the Fairfield reveals the house and grounds are dilapidated, fences and trees blown down – carrots and mangolds harvested at Point Ellice – extraordinary meeting of Albion Iron Works to authorize borrowing money from the bank. DECEMBER “Got bad attack of chill, shivers, obliged to go to bed.” - “This day four years ago my beloved wife was laid to rest at Cheriton near Folkestone” - Peter and Kathleen distribute holly to friends - “My dear Kits birth day” is celebrated with a small party.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1902(1902) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O’Reilly’s hand “very useless”, massage is helpful – Christ Church trustees, including Peter, consider selling lots from church property – Frank O’Reilly returns to his surveying work in the West Kootenay – Jack O’Reilly canvasses for the Conservative candidate Frank Barnard – Kit O’Reilly visits friends and pays bills. FEBRUARY Peter is re-elected as a director of Albion Iron Works, becomes the sole director of the B. C. Corporation – Peter’s leg very painful and his hand numb, remains in bed – possible amalgamation of Albion and Vancouver Iron Works – Kit and Jack attend a Navy League meeting. MARCH “Leg very painful awake all night” – Dr Jones makes daily visits to dress Peter’s leg – Nelly Drake massages Peter’s hand – Albion Iron Works directors meet at Point Ellice due to Peter’s bedridden condition – the neighbouring Drake family are frequent visitors – Fairfield hay taken to Point Ellice. APRIL Peter moves to the sofa and chair after lying in bed for six weeks, “very weak and tried” – “My eye very painful – cant read or write” – Peter hires two Chinese boys to work – potatoes, mangolds and carrots planted in the field – visits with Benjamin Pearse and Sir Henry Crease, both in poor health. MAY Mrs Hickling convalesces at Point Ellice after a hospital stay – Peter visits Benjamin Pearse who remains ill – Peter attends a trustee meeting for Christ Church and the archdeaconry – “Depressing state of business, & finance” at Albion Iron Works – Pearse admitted to Jubilee Hospital. JUNE Kit O’Reilly supports Mrs Pearse during the hospitalization of her husband – Peter buys shares in Esquimalt Water Works for Joseph and John Trutch – death of Benjamin Pearse, Peter is a chief mourner and Jack a pall bearer – visit with Philip Hankin – croquet frequently played. JULY Frequent Albion Iron Works meetings continue – Peter gives money to Herbert Dodgson to pay his bills – Twigg and Mrs Pearse are frequent visitors – Kit calls on friends frequently – fire at Fairfield hayfield – Jack and Kit play croquet and participate in tournaments. AUGUST Regarding Iron Works operations, “Everything unsatisfactory both here & at Vancouver” – coronation church service for King Edward VII – forest fires create smoky skies in Victoria – Jack wins the Vancouver croquet tournament cup – repeated visits by Mrs Pearse – Kit organizes a picnic “up the Arm” (Gorge Waterway). SEPTEMBER Albion Iron Works finances precarious - Annie Pinder “full of complaints” and seeks loans from Peter – Mrs Pearse leaves for England – more smoke-filled skies – Peter’s leg once again “very painful” and he remains in bed for the remainder of the month. OCTOBER Peter ends his two-week bed rest, but his eyes are “very bad” – Kit goes golfing and Jack goes hunting – Mr & Mrs Master stay for six days – Peter attends frequent meetings of Albion Iron Works directors. NOVEMBER Peter consults with real estate advisor Edgar Baker and lawyer Hugh Aikman about selling lots, leasing the fields and house at Fairfield – death of Mrs Frederick Seymour in London – two cooks quit – several Royal Garrison Artillery officers repeatedly call at Point Ellice. DECEMBER Another cook quits, also the house boy - Peter attends Mrs George Walkem’s funeral – three Ellis daughters and the Masters arrive for a visit – Kit sends Point Ellice holly to family and friends – Frank O’Reilly arrives from Nelson – Peter contracts a heavy cold – family, friends, and Royal Garrison Artillery officers gather on New Year’s Eve to celebrate Kit’s 35th birthday.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1901(1901) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Return to Point Ellice “very dreary & sad without our beloved one” – many visitors call on the O’Reilly’s – Canon Beanlands takes legal action against William Ward – death of Queen Victoria. FEBRUARY Memorial services for Queen Victoria held across the city of Victoria – director’s meetings of Albion Iron Works, Victoria Gas Company take place, dividends paid to Peter O’Reilly, Joseph Trutch, John Trutch, and Carry Hare – in England Joseph Trutch has a serious carriage accident. MARCH Frank O’Reilly returns to Point Ellice – contents of Fairfield prepared for auction – Peter O’Reilly arranges Fairfield lease agreement from Joseph Trutch – Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly suffers from a bad cold – Peter’s will witnessed. APRIL Fairfield auction, everything sold – Trutch books and small items packed for shipment to England – Trutch property near Cook Street considered for sale – new oilcloth, carpets and gates installed at Point Ellice – Albion Iron Works considers purchasing BC Iron Works in Vancouver. MAY Peter O’Reilly purchases more shares in the Esquimalt Water Works Co for himself, and shares for daughter Kit – Canon Beanlands withdraws lawsuit against Christ Church trustees – Violet Ellis has an extended stay at Point Ellice – wood and coal sheds dismantled, new hen house, woodshed, and water closet built, also steps, veranda, and porches painted. JUNE Willy and Annie Pinder in a “deplorable state”, Peter pays eight months of their rent – Mrs Drake in hospital for hernia operation – Jack O’Reilly frequently goes yachting – death of Mrs Bryden, Peter is a pallbearer at funeral – Harold Twigg returns to Point Ellice for a visit, takes law exam – death of Joanna Tyrwhitt-Drake (Mrs Drake), “We have lost a good friend & kind neighbour”. JULY Peter inspects hay harvest at Fairfield and attends the usual director’s meetings – summertime croquet and tennis games – Kit O’Reilly goes to Vancouver to watch croquet – auction of farm animals at Hatley Park – James Leigh’s sawmill near Point Ellice burns down. AUGUST Albion Iron Works shareholders and directors approve purchase of B C Iron Works of Vancouver – half-year gas company dividends paid – horse “Nelly” very ill and requires visits from veterinarian Dr Hamilton – Peter purchases more shares in Esquimalt Water Works for himself and his daughter. SEPTEMBER Lieutenant Governor Joly de Lotbinière at Point Ellice for tea and croquet – kitchen and box room calsomined – field potatoes dug and stored in new “root house” - Albion Iron Works approves the issuance of $140,000 in bonds for improvements – Kit O’Reilly takes the Pinder children to Vancouver to attend Miss Gordon’s school. OCTOBER Peter buys more shares in Esquimalt Water Works - Albion Iron Works considers bidding on the new Point Ellice Bridge construction - Gisburn estate to be leased to Robert “Robin” Dunsmuir with option to purchase – Peter frequently deals with Albion Iron Works business affairs as a director – Jack goes quail hunting on Prevost Island – “Ping Pong” played with friends. NOVEMBER Peter meets with Robert Dunsmuir and architect Samuel Maclure agreeing to alterations to Gisburn – death of Captain Frank Garforth – Albion Iron Works submits $147,500 tender for Point Ellice Bridge – three Chinese employees quit, a new house maid and parlour maid starts. DECEMBER Peter continues to work on Albion Iron Works business matters – Kit and Peter visit Fanny Dodgson and Jane Shaw in hospital – Frank O’Reilly returns for a holiday visit – holly sent to friends – Dr Jones examines Peter’s hand.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1900(1900) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Following the death of Caroline O’Reilly in late December 1899, Peter, Kathleen “Kit”, and Frank O’Reilly travel to London, then go to Willett House in Somerset, the retirement home of Joseph Trutch – Peter suffers from a cold and receives frequent visits from Dr Ardagh – rabbit hunting and going for drives fill the time for Frank and Kit. FEBRUARY Peter notes leaving Ireland for British Columbia 41 years ago – Jack O’Reilly is authorized to sell Fairfield on behalf of Joseph Trutch for $80,000 – Albion Iron Works pays out a 10% dividend to Peter O’Reilly, Joseph & John Trutch. MARCH Peter, Frank, & Kit remain at Willett House two more weeks – return to London and shopping – Kit contracts measles and moves to a nursing home – Peter meets with Robert Ward, Robert Jackson, Frank Garforth, Maitland Pye-Smith, as well as Edward Sanders and John White with whom Peter had worked in the 1860s – Frank returns to Nelson, BC. APRIL Kit recovers from measles in London – Peter contracts a cold – returns to Willett House - Kit catches a cold, then Peter catches another cold - Josephine Pinder goes fox hunting – Peter experiences pain in his back, arms, and legs. MAY Peter receives a visit from Charles Good – Peter and Kit depart for London where Peter received medical advice to take the baths at Aix-les Bains, France – receives two years of pension backpay – shopping, lunches, and visits with Robert Falcon Scott, Henry Scudamore-Stanhope, the Ward brothers, Robert Jackson, and others - travel to Folkestone and Cheriton cemetery to plan the monument for Caroline O’Reilly’s grave. JUNE Peter, Kit, Admiral Hare and wife Carry Hare vacation in Aix-les-Bains – Peter follows a routine of baths, relaxation and sightseeing as he did when he visited there in 1888. JULY The Hares return to England and Peter and Kit continue to meet other guests lodging at Aix – Peter follows Dr Rendall’s routine of taking baths every day for two weeks – Peter and Kit meet with the Paynes from BC – departure for Switzerland. AUGUST Arrival in Paris accompanied by the Payne family, then back to Folkestone where they find that the grave monument is unfinished – on to London, shopping, and preparation for a trip to Portsmouth where they meet Sir Michael and Lady Culme-Seymour at Admiralty House – various dinners with multiple admirals and officers – Peter and Kit see Queen Victoria’s royal yacht and carriage and have their photo taken with Sir Culme-Seymour. SEPTEMBER A trip to Winchester and Bournemouth and a visit with the Davy family – return to London, use of the underground railway, “Tube – wonderful, and comfortable”, and shopping – back to Folkestone, the Carry O’Reilly grave monument is partially finished – shipment of purchased goods to Victoria arranged – return to Willett House. OCTOBER Bird hunting, croquet, and fox hunting with hounds at Willett House - visit with Joseph Trutch, Josephine Pinder, the Hares, Emily White, Baroness (Lady) Macdonald of Earnscliffe, and John and Charlotte Trutch. NOVEMBER Return to Folkestone and Cheriton to view and photograph the completed grave monument for Caroline O’Reilly – one week at Copgrove to visit Capt Bridgeman – visit with Sir Michael and Lady Culme-Seymour at Wadenhoe – return to London to arrange passage to New York. DECEMBER Shopping and preparation for return to Victoria – Peter is photographed - many friends and family visit before the departure – stormy seas create a rough voyage – one year anniversary of Caroline’s death, “How vividly the harrowing scene is before me” - Peter and Kit meet Harold Twigg on board who returns with them to New York.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1899(1899) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Eighteen inches of snow on the ground on New Year’s Day – Frank O’Reilly returns to Nelson and the West Kootenay area for his surveying work. FEBRUARY Peter O’Reilly continues his visits to the dentist and attends his usual director meetings – Kit and Jack O’Reilly play golf with friends and attend a tournament - “Carry very seriously ill during the night, great difficulty in breathing” - Dr Davie orders Carry O’Reilly to bed, “her heart is weak”, and requires “rest & good diet & no excitement”. MARCH Carry’s condition is noted every day – Dr Davie visits and comments on her slight improvements – Peter and Carry have colds – friends come to inquire for Carry - Carry moves to the drawing room after five weeks in bed. APRIL Carry sits in chair outside for the first time, continues to have good nights and sleepless nights, receives visits from Dr Davie and friends – Peter’s dentistry continues – Frank leaves for Nelson - death of Captain McCallum, Peter is a pall bearer at the funeral – HMS Amphion returns to Esquimalt - Peter meets with lawyer Aikman to deal with several property foreclosures – Carry alternates from cheerfulness to depression. MAY Peter suffers from back pain, unable to move, takes medicine which leaves him deaf, dizzy, and confused – Carry has some restful nights, but is still frequently “low spirited” and “greatly depressed” – Government House in Victoria burns down. JUNE Carry improves and is able to be taken for drives, but is still depressed – Carry has a falling out with Dr Davie, he suggests finding another physician – Peter pays taxes for Joseph and John Trutch’s properties – Peter attends his usual board meetings. JULY Fairfield hay cut – Peter attends synod executive meeting - croquet played – Georgie Ellis and children from Penticton visit for several days. AUGUST Peter attends a tennis tournament – a vote is taken on building a Government St bridge and filling in the James Bay mudflats – Peter attends meetings of the Howe Sound Copper Co and the Esquimalt Water Works Co – HMS Swiftsure, Warspite, and Amphion make a return appearance at the naval dockyard – Peter suffers from headaches and ceases to write in his diary. SEPTEMBER No diary entries until late September – Peter goes for a drive with Kit but is very tired – Royal Marines return to England. OCTOBER Alterations to St Saviour’s Church discussed – Carry and Kit attend church, shop, and go for drives – Temple Cornwall leaves for the Boer War in South Africa. NOVEMBER Dr Hanington states Carry does not have heart problems, but only “indigestion” - Fairfield caretaker Harding let go for poor performance and being drunk – Dr Jones recommends that Peter and Carry go to Europe – Dr Jones examines Carry and determines there is “organic disease of the heart” and consents to her traveling – Carry worried about traveling to England and can’t make up her mind, her condition is poor. DECEMBER Peter requests Jack’s salary be increased - Dr Jones does not take responsibility for saying that Carry can travel to England, then later gives his consent – Peter, Carry, and Kit depart and are joined by Frank – after a train trip to New York they board a ship to Liverpool, Carry’s health continues to decline, she is “weaker & greatly depressed” – after arrival in Liverpool Carry is taken to a nursing home and passes away there, “A good & beloved woman went to her home” – burial at Cheriton near Folkestone with family members present.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1898(1898) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Kit & Frank O’Reilly play in a golf tournament on New Years Day – the Jacksons and Rev. Barber leave for England – Peter O’Reilly attends a directors meeting of the Albion Iron Works. FEBRUARY Peter, Carry, and Kit O’Reilly attend the opening of the Legislative Assembly in the new government buildings – meetings regarding the Beddoe lease and note continue - Peter receives notice terminating his “services” as Indian Reserve Commissioner, spends two more weeks on the job and clears out his office, the job transitions to Arthur Vowell at month end – Albion Iron Works empowered to borrow $150,000. MARCH Steamer Amur makes its inaugural run from Victoria to Fort Wrangel, Alaska for the Klondike trade – death of Chief Justice Theodore Davie – Peter suffers from a heavy cold, attends board meetings. APRIL Point Ellice field ploughed and sowed with oats, timothy, and clover, carrots, mangolds, and potatoes planted – Carry supervises gardeners – dining room ceiling repapered – Fairfield in poor condition due to lack of maintenance. MAY Peter “shivering all the evening & through the night” – painters, paperhangers, carpet layers work at Point Ellice – Fairfield flagpole moved to Point Ellice – the Queen’s Birthday Regatta takes place, dinner with friends, observation of a sham battle at Beacon Hill – Ong begins work at $30 per month including lodging in the harness room – Rev. Grundy continues to substitute for Rev. Barber who is in England. JUNE Meetings with T. R. Smith regarding B C Corporation – croquet court laid out – Fairfield hay crop sold – tea party at the Barracks - Rev. Barber returns from England – Indian Reserve Commission under Arthur Vowell goes to the Skeena River with surveyor Ashdown Green. JULY Dominion Day outing at Hatley Park – general and provincial elections held - “Jack sworn in as Barrister, & Solicitor” – Peter makes his usual Sunday visits to the Thomsons – Donald Harris mortgages with Joseph Trutch foreclosed – Lieutenant Governor’s reception for the Governor General “a large & motley gathering - very inconveniently arranged”. AUGUST Possible loan of $10,000 to Odd Fellows fraternal order – Lieutenant Governor McInnes dismisses the John Turner government, calls on Robert Beaven to form a new government – favourable report of Victoria Gas Company operations, dividends paid – death of Charles Houghton whom Peter had known since 1866 – fire at the Victoria Chemical Co ignites acids, sulfur and niter. SEPTEMBER Forest fire smoke covers Victoria again – Jack frequently goes hunting – fire destroys much of New Westminster’s commercial area, “almost total distruction” – Peter, Carry, and Kit suffer from colds – a vote is taken on prohibition. OCTOBER Jack goes hunting seven times – Peter sees a dentist eight times – Jack begins working at the law firm of Drake, Jackson, and Helmcken – Peter gets legal advice regarding his mortgages and the mortgages he coordinates on behalf of Joseph and John Trutch. NOVEMBER Peter purchases $5000 of shares in Esquimalt Water Works Company – Peter snaps a leg tendon which causes much pain, Dr Jones advises bed rest, many visitors call at Point Ellice to see Peter. DECEMBER Peter sits outside in his chair for the first time in almost a month after his leg injury – Carry & Kit O’Reilly help organize a doll show as a benefit event for the Jubilee Hospital children’s ward – 35th wedding anniversary Peter and Carry O’Reilly - – distribution of Point Ellice holly to friends – Frank O’Reilly returns from Nelson, BC for a visit.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1897(1897) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY New Year’s Day spent visiting friends – Frank Garforth promoted to Royal Navy Commander - Peter O’Reilly attends director’s meetings of Albion Iron Works and B C Corporation. FEBRUARY Peter visits Temple Cornwall in hospital – Peter and Frank O’Reilly inspect the new Albion Iron Works stove factory – Carry O’Reilly holds a musical party and dance – ash trees pruned and apple trees sprayed. MARCH Peter’s leg again “troublesome”, he remains part of the day in bed – cold winter weather leaves 14 inches of snow – water pipes, milk, and meat frozen – HMS Imperieuse departs and HMS Comus arrives, officers immediately visit at Point Ellice – Peter’s leg shows improvement, but foot now also swollen, he sits in a chair outside. APRIL Peter purchases claret through Captain Garforth – the Cornwall girls leave after five months in Victoria – Jack O’Reilly spends time at Hatley Park – Frank O’Reilly leaves for Rossland, BC – “Rosie” the cow, recently calved, requires a veterinarian. MAY Carry O’Reilly gardening – discussions regarding Beddoe timber lease continue – Albion Iron Works agreement regarding manufacture and sale of machinery – John Trutch arrives – Peter’s leg once again “very troublesome”. JUNE Most days spent with John Trutch - Peter sends off his IRC field books to Ottawa – attends directors’ meetings of B C Corporation – celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in Victoria with church services, speeches, fireworks, band concerts, a carnival, and races - Peter continues maintaining the Frederick Seymour’s grave at the Naval Cemetery in Esquimalt. JULY Inspection of the new Albion Iron Works rock crusher – new bath installed at Point Ellice – John Trutch departs for England – Peter and Carry witness the departure of the steamer Islander for the Klondike with more then 375 miners, ”a sene not witnessed since the early days of Cariboo.” AUGUST Carry and Jack entertain Miss Stapleton – Peter has a “serious talk” with Jack regarding his law exam – Peter experiences fever, chills, perspiration, and remains in bed – Beddoe lease land to be surveyed at the cost to shareholders – Peter, Carry, and Jack spend time at Hatley Park with Roland Stuart. SEPTEMBER Kit O’Reilly returns from England after of an absence of eleven months, Peter travels to Vancouver to meet her – a visit to the new Parliament Buildings in Victoria – Indian Reserve Commission departs for Douglas on Harrison Lake to define reserves along the lower Lillooet River. OCTOBER Captain Garforth and his crew leave for England – Jack hunts at Roland Stuart’s Hatley estate – Sir Charles Tupper interested in renting the Fairfield house – Herbert Smith succeeds Frank Garforth as Captain of the HMS Pheasant. NOVEMBER Kitchen range, boiler, pipes, house foundations all in repair – mangolds and carrots harvested from garden, flower bulbs stored in cellar – Rosie the cow cured of “Tubercolosus”. DECEMBER Peter suffers from a toothache, meets with a dentist – death of John Fall Allison – Frank O’Reilly returns home from Rossland – Peter exchanges securities at the bank – Peter draws principal and interest to wire to Carry Hare in England.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1896(1896) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Frank and Jack O’Reilly work on local elections – a Christmas tree is decorated – Carry and Peter O’Reilly both have colds – ice skating at Colwood – Kit O’Reilly plays golf and Jack goes hunting. FEBRUARY The O’Reilly siblings continue their pastimes of golfing and hunting – dividends from the Victoria Gas, but not Albion Iron Works – Peter’s “leg not so well – constant dull pain”, Carry wheels him about in a chair – a prospect of work in a West Kootenay mining area for Frank. MARCH Carry and Kit O’Reilly attend Maternity Home meetings – Kit and Frank play in the Pooley golf tournament – Peter meets with lawyer Aikman regarding his mortgages to others – Frank purchases a theodolite for surveying - planting of grasses at the Fairfield orchard. APRIL Albion Iron Works “more encouraging” – Kit practices “bycicle riding” – wedding of Nelly Ward and William Oliver, Kit is a bridesmaid – “most disagreeable” blowing dust frequently found on Victoria streets – Frank departs for survey work in the West Kootenay. MAY Captain Frank Garforth departs in HMS Pheasant after spending much time with the O’Reillys over the years – Peter attends meetings of the Albion Iron Works and B C Corporation – Albert Janes leaves employment “without the slightest warning – a poorly maintained and overloaded Point Ellice bridge collapses killing 55 people. JUNE Peter and Carry listen to a concert by the band of the HMS Royal Arthur, witness the departure of the ship from Esquimalt – Ashdown Green and Edward Mohun in disagreement about reserve boundaries at New Westminster - Frank O’Reilly returns from the Kootenay briefly, then returns – Peter continues to supervise Harding’s caretaking at Fairfield. JULY Carry and Kit help organize the Royal Jubilee Hospital Bazaar – summer weather very hot, forest fire smoke in Victoria for days – Christ Church Dean Beanlands accuses the trustees, including Peter O’Reilly, of misusing trustee funds – Albion Iron Works directors offer to purchase Victoria Iron Works – Joseph Trutch returns from England. AUGUST Peter sees Joseph Trutch and Robert Jackson most days – Carry, Kit & Peter dined on board the HMS Imperieuse – smoke again blankets Victoria – Louisa D. Ellis visits for ten days – Carry sprains her ankle – Jack goes hunting at Goldstream. SEPTEMBER Thick smoke continues – Joseph Trutch departs for Nelson, BC and England – Indian Reserve Commission departs for the Naas River, their steamer delivers freight and passengers along the way – stormy weather makes for a slow and uncomfortable journey – one reserve laid out near Greenville. OCTOBER The IRS returns to Victoria – Peter inspects the newly acquired Victoria Iron Works – Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly and friends leave for England with Sir Richard and Lady Musgrave – Jack goes hunting on Prevost Island. NOVEMBER Carry and Peter suffer with colds and sickness - English mail delayed due to railway blockage, no news of daughter Kit in England – Minister of Public Works Joseph-Israël Tarte inspects the Point Ellice bridge - Carry and Maude Cornwall arrive for a visit – a cold winter freezes water pipes at Point Ellice. DECEMBER Frost damaged carrot and mangold crop harvested, ash trees pruned – holly cut and sent to friends – Frank O’Reilly returns from West Kootenay for a visit – at year end letters received from Kit and Joseph Trutch in England.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1895(1895) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Frank, Kit, & Jack O’Reilly go ice skating at Colwood, and prepare for a ball in aid of the Protestant Orphans’ Home – Peter O’Reilly attends a meeting of the B C Corporation – “acacia” and apple trees pruned. FEBRUARY Peter attends shareholder meetings of Albion Iron Works “a most unsatisfactory shewing”, Canadian Pacific Navigation Company “very unsatisfactory statement of accts”, and Victoria Gas Company “satisfactory” – Peter becomes a director of Albion Iron Works, continues to finance mortgages, and suffers from his leg condition – Jack plays football. MARCH Peter arranges lease of Fairfield fields at $15 per acre – the O’Reilly family continues to attend St Johns, St Saviours, and Christ Church Cathedral on Sundays mornings and evenings. APRIL Carry O’Reilly attends a maternity home meeting – Tenth anniversary of Peter and Carry’s carriage accident – potatoes planted in field at Point Ellice - James Campbell, employee, drunk and let go. MAY The Robert Jacksons arrive from England – Kit is photographed on her horse – Fairfield is prepared for the arrival of the Trutches from England - Lady Julia Trutch arrives first looking ill – Peter and Frank O’Reilly call on the naval officers at Esquimalt – Queen’s Birthday festivities - Sir Joseph Trutch arrives at month end. JUNE Peter attends meetings of the B C Corporation and Albion Iron Works – Julia Trutch’s health continues to decline, the doctor’s report not encouraging – Peter and Carry attend a lecture by the well-known journalist David Christie Murray “a very enjoyable performance” - Joseph Trutch must decide who should tell his wife Julia of her cancer diagnosis – Peter and Carry aid Julia and Joe. JULY Water closets, fixtures, and sewers replaced at Point Ellice – death and funeral of Julia Trutch – Joseph Trutch is depressed, suffers from indigestion, and contemplates returning to England, Peter stays with him at Fairfield – Jack takes his “Intermediate Exam”. AUGUST Albion Iron Works performance “unsatisfactory” – Robert Jackson leaves for England – Peter O’Reilly meets with Prime Minister Mackenzie Bowell to discuss Indian Reserve Commission matters – attends Mark Twain’s lecture, “a failure greatly disappointed” – IRC lays out reserves for Alkalai Lake Indians. SEPTEMBER Reserves defined for Canoe Creek Indians – Kit and Jack O’Reilly take a trip to Alaska – Peter declines an invitation to Government House to meet Quebec Lieutenant Governor Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau – the family attends the agricultural exhibition - Peter completes the IRC Annual Report OCTOBER Peter continues to lodge at Fairfield with Joseph Trutch – attends director’s meetings of the B C Corporation and Albion Iron Works – “Shooting season” commences and Jack goes hunting often. NOVEMBER Albion Iron Works operations remain “very unsatisfactory” – State Ball given by Governor General Lord Aberdeen and Lady Aberdeen – Peter and Carry attend a dinner for the Governor General at Government House for forty-two guests. DECEMBER Peter and Carry O’Reilly and her brother Joseph Trutch spend much time together during his final days in Victoria – death of Bishop George Hills in England, memorial service held at Christ Church - Trutch meets with lawyer Aikman regarding his will – Joseph Trutch, “greatly depressed”, departs for Kootenay and England – Kit, Frank, & Jack go to a dance at Government House given for Admiral Stevenson.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1894(1894) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Ashdown Green supervises removal of logs in Cowichan River – appointment of General Manager of the B C Corporation discussed – Legislative Assembly opened by Lieutenant-Governor Edgar Dewdney – opening of the Drill Hall & Ordnance Stores building in Victoria. FEBRUARY HMS Garnet leaves for England – Jack O’Reilly plays football and Frank O’Reilly goes hunting – shareholder dividends paid – Peter O’Reilly’s old leg injury again causes pain, he calls on Dr Davie who orders him to bed and prescribes an iodine treatment. MARCH Dr Davie makes several calls to check on Peter’s leg – Carry O’Reilly attends meetings of the Maternity Home - Peter sits outside in a chair - multiple visits to ailing Matthew Begbie – the O’Reilly family regularly attends St Johns, St Saviours, and Christ Church Cathedral for morning and evening services. APRIL Frank O’Reilly takes provincial surveyor exam – more than 4 tons of hay delivered - new stove installed in back kitchen – O’Reilly employees “rude as usual” and “most insolent to Carry when spoken to” - potatoes and root crops planted in Point Ellice field – daughter “Kit” O’Reilly departs for San Francisco. MAY Kit returns from San Francisco – Matthew Begbie’s health continues to decline - Peter begins making daily visits to Bebgie – Begbie unwilling to move from his bed. JUNE Chief Justice Matthew Begbie, “very weak & suffering”, makes one last surprising visit to St John’s Church – Peter’s friend of 35 years “Sir Matthew” passes away on June 11 – Peter O’Reilly and Dr Oswald Jones are the “Chief Mourners” at the large public funeral – Begbie’s brother Thomas arrives from England six days too late to see his brother – orchard hay cut at Fairfield. JULY Peter discusses money lending for mortgages and insurance with lawyers – Thomas Begbie returns to England – Joseph & Julia Trutch return from England after an absence of more than two years - Peter discusses Clienna reserve on Vancouver Island with lawyer Harry Helmcken – Eileen Ellis arrives for a visit – Peter helps to select a site for a lighthouse. AUGUST Clienna reserve lawsuit withdrawn – lacrosse, tennis, cricket, and tea parties mark the summer season –– Peter frequently meets with Joseph Trutch. SEPTEMBER Jack and Frank O’Reilly frequently enjoy hunting and fishing – Peter O’Reilly defines reserves at Pitt Lake and Barnston Island – Caroline “Carry” O’Reilly celebrates her 62nd birthday – Joseph Trutch considers a lease of his Fairfield estate – Peter attends meetings of the B C Corporation and the Anglican Synod. OCTOBER The family attends the Agricultural Exhibition – removal of apple trees and ploughing begins at Fairfield – Kit and Frank O’Reilly play golf at Macaulay Plains – Peter’s leg again “troublesome” – Peter, Ashdown Green, and Arthur Vowell depart for the San Juan River on Vancouver Island and begin defining Indian reserves avoiding lands already taken by white settlers. NOVEMBER Frank Garforth returns to Esquimalt as Captain of the HMS Pheasant – Governor General of Canada Marquess of Aberdeen visits Victoria – death of “Zoe” Trutch, wife of John Trutch, in England – frequent visits by Lieutenant George Barnes who also goes hunting with Jack O’Reilly. DECEMBER Peter O’Reilly meets with Sir Charles H Tupper – Peter calls on the “Old Doctor” Helmcken and consults Dr Davie about his finger – Peter’s leg again causes pain, and he remains in bed – Kit and Jack O’Reilly go ice skating at Colwood.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1893(1893) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Frank O’Reilly is offered survey work at Crows Nest Pass, but declines the offer – Peter O’Reilly’s leg continues to be “troublesome” and treatment shifts to Dr Oswald Jones – Jack O’Reilly prepares for April pre-law exam - Lieutenant Governor Edgar Dewdney opens the new legislative session. FEBRUARY Two and one-half feet of snow at Point Ellice, water taps in the house frozen – Lady Macdonald visits, invites Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly to stay with her at her hotel - Peter returns to the office after three weeks resting his leg – Albion Iron Works’ affairs “very unsatisfactory”. MARCH Thomas R Smith appointed auditor of Albion Iron Works – Frank O’Reilly elected member of Union Club – Rev Jenns returns from England – William Perrin consecrated as Bishop of British Columbia at Westminster Abbey. APRIL Willy Ward marries Maud Davie – Robert Jackson & wife arrive from England – departure of Lady Macdonald - Jack O’Reilly takes his exam – repair of boathouse begins – visits to HMS Garnet, Champion, and Nymphe in Esquimalt Harbour. MAY Boiler in house repaired - repairs to the boathouse and steps completed – Bishop Perrin arrives in Victoria – Peter O’Reilly attends meetings of the B C Corporation and Synod. JUNE Jack O’Reilly starts his five-year apprenticeship with the law firm of Drake, Jackson, and Helmcken - Jacksons leave for England – Matthew Begbie holds his first tennis party of the season – HMS Royal Arthur arrives from England – news of the collision between the HMS Victoria and HMS Camperdown in the Mediterranean and the loss of life - naval officers from the Royal Arthur and Champion call at Point Ellice – foundation stone of the Protestant Orphans Home laid – Peter sells the Fairfield hay crop. JULY Hay at Fairfield harvested – tennis parties, cricket match, dances, visits by the naval officers characterize the summer activities – Peter meets with Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs Thomas Daly at Government House – Daly and O’Reilly “inspect” the William Head Quarantine Station – Peter reviews reserve land exchange involving Thomas Ellis. AUGUST The Indian Reserve Commission works in the Similkameen and Keremeos areas - Sir Matthew Begbie seriously ill, two doctors consulted and perform an operation on his liver – Peter attends a tennis tournament and frequently visits his friend Begbie – grave of Frederick Seymour at the Naval Cemetery in Esquimalt repaired and improved. SEPTEMBER The IRC returns to the Skeena River area, defines reserves for Kitselas and Kitwanga Indians – return to Victoria and stopping at canneries on the way to take in cases of salmon – digging the field potatoes begins. OCTOBER Peter and Carry suffer from bad colds - “A crowd of Naval Officers called” – Jack goes hunting with Lieutenant Lywood – Peter visits the HMS Melpomene – one ton of oats delivered. NOVEMBER Carry, Kit, Frank, & Jack attend Jubilee Hospital Ball – death of Joseph Despard Pemberton, Peter is a pall bearer at the funeral – Peter and daughter Kit attend two paper hunts – Peter attends two B C Corporation meetings – Ashdown Green and wife “dangerously” ill. DECEMBER The Greens still recovering from their illness – Sir Matthew Begbie “a very sick man” - Georgie Ellis and children visit – naval officers call at Point Ellice – Kit decorates St John’s and St Saviour’s Churches – holly sent to friends.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1892(1892) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Jack O’Reilly recovers from typhoid fever at home attended by Drs Davie & Helmcken, the doctors recommend Jack be moved to the hospital if he does not improve – Arthur Pinder in debt, sheriff to take possession of home – death of Roderick Finlayson – Jack’s health shows some improvement – more holly planted in garden. FEBRUARY Peter O’Reilly attends shareholders meetings where dividends are declared – Peter and Carry O’Reilly become sick with colds – water pipe bursts in kitchen range causing “general confusion” – Sir Joseph Trutch considers renting his home “Fairfield” to Thomas Ellis. MARCH Meetings of B C Corporation, Canadian Pacific Navigation Co, Victoria Gas Co, Anglican Synod – interest and dividend payments sent to Carry Hare and Capt Knox - Point Ellice veranda rebuilt, and house, fence, and gates painted. APRIL HMS Warpsite returns to Esquimalt – dinner and tea with the Admiral and other officers – Frank O’Reilly arrives from Buenos Aires after an absence of five years – Sir Joseph Trutch prepares to rent Fairfield and specify the sale of some its property – Sir Joseph & Lady Trutch depart for England – Carry and Peter have colds again. MAY John & Zoe Trutch and Robert & Lydia Ward depart for England – meeting held for the purpose of starting a new club – Queen’s birthday regatta and fireworks at Beacon Hill. JUNE Death of Dr Joseph Matthews – Peter acts as caretaker for Fairfield – frequent meeting of B C Corporation in the absence of director Robert Ward – Executive Council meeting of the church synod – Jubilee Hospital Bazaar opens – three-day trip to Chilliwack to review a reserve boundary. JULY Smallpox outbreak in Victoria – “Carry Kit Jack & I were Vaxinated by Dr Davie” – “Very alarming rumours in regard to spread of small-pox” - Forbes Vernon contracts smallpox – “54 cases reported – 3 deaths” – “Vancouver & [Puget] Sound Cities declare a quarentein against Victoria” – “Reports of small pox alarming” – summer tennis parties continue – funeral of BC Premier John Robson. AUGUST Jack prepares for “articled pupil” exams with Revd Barber – Indian Reserve Commission departs for Quesnelle – Peter visits Henry Cornwall at Ashcroft who is very ill, Cornwall dies three days later – IRC defines reserves for the Stony Creek Indians on Tachick and Nulki Lakes – many Indians sick and in need of medicine – Indian Agent Robert Loring “lazy & useless as ever”. SEPTEMBER Reserves created near Fort Fraser on Fraser Lake – Peter dismisses Agent Loring – reserves created at Fort St James on Stuart Lake, and Fort McLeod – reserves created at Trembleur Lake and Tachie River – return to Stuarts Lake north side to create Tachie and Pinchi reserves encompassing their villages – return to Fort St James. OCTOBER Reserve creation continues at Fort George and for Blackwater Indians – return to Victoria – visit from Sir Michael Culme-Seymour – Peter visits with Lady Macdonald in Victoria. NOVEMBER Bishop of Columbia George Hills returns to England after 33 years in Victoria – Edgar Dewdney sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of BC by Sir Matthew Begbie – Sir Culme-Seymour returns to England – Peter buys shares in the B C Corporation for Frank. DECEMBER Peter protests “excessive” property assessment – agrees to sell a right of way across his Vancouver lots or to sell the lots – Peter’s leg injury from 1885 flares up again, consults Dr Helmcken and remains in bed.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1891(1891) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Charlotte Cornwall and son Temple stay at Point Ellice – Peter O’Reilly’s leg injured in an 1885 carriage accident causes problems, bed rest prescribed for three weeks - Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly organizes a party and dance at Point Ellice. FEBRUARY Peter attends shareholder meetings of the Victoria Gas Co and Canadian Pacific Navigation Co, dividends declared paid – ice skating at Skinner’s pond – Miss Emily Brealey arrives for a visit, investigates a grave monument for her brother Alfred. MARCH Miss Brealey and Peter meet with the stonecutter regarding the monument – Carry O’Reilly sprains her ankle and is confined to bed – Capt Martley arrives for a visit and stays at Point Ellice – garden manure and walkway gravel delivered. APRIL Robert Jackson returns from England for a visit – violin concert at the theatre – duty of $131 paid on imported claret wine. MAY Peter speaks with Forbes Vernon about reserves and the proposed electric tram in Vancouver and its effects of Peter’s property there – Peter suffers from a prolonged cold - Jack O’Reilly arrives home from England after being away at school since 1882 – Queen’s birthday celebrations – negative report about Prime Minster John A Macdonald’s health. JUNE Death of Prime Minister Macdonald in Ottawa at age 67 – Georgie Ellis spends two weeks in Jubilee Hospital – Peter procures twine to create tennis netting for Point Ellice. JULY A two-week trip in the north coast islands of BC to establish Indian reserves – meeting with Forbes Vernon and Theodore Davie regarding Chilcotin reserve – Robert Jackson leaves for England. AUGUST Polo and cricket at Beacon Hill – Indian Reserve Commission departs for the northwest coast and Skeena River region, crew and party includes surveyor Ashdown Green, O’Reilly employee Arthur Tubb, Chinese cook Sing, Jack O’Reilly, and Julia Trutch – stop in Port Essington where Julia Trutch departs, crew starts up Skeena River to Hazelton – Jack goes hunting and fishing. SEPTEMBER Reserves at Babine Lake laid out – Peter O’Reilly finds Indians and the Indian agent Loring “ignorant of the country” – Peter discouraged about lack of mail – return to Hazelton - at Kispiox village “Very stormy meeting spent over 2 hours in explaining about the reserves to Inds…large number of men & women objected & prevented our proceeding”, one reserve defined despite objections – Kispiox chief apologizes for the conduct of his people - Jack O’Reilly injures his leg with an axe. OCTOBER At Kitwanga “Held meeting most unsatisfactory. Chief & nearly all the people absent, the man appointed to speak demanded 35 miles of the river – when refused he left” – Kitsumkalum reserves laid out – Jack shoots a caribou – return trip to Victoria with stops at salmon canneries where 5,500 cases are taken on board – Peter purchases 250 shares in the B. C. Corporation. NOVEMBER Peter attends directors meeting of the B. C. Corporation - Admiral Hotham and Lieutenant Stanhope call to say good bye, HMS Warspite departs Esquimalt – the O’Reillys begin attending the “Mission Church” St Saviour’s Church in Victoria West – Sir Joseph & Lady Trutch plan to go to England via Hong Kong and India – Frank O’Reilly intends to leave Buenos Aires. DECEMBER Jack contracts typhoid fever, Drs Davie and Helmcken attend him at home – Peter attends meeting of the church synod, also the B. C. Corporation from which he receives a one quarter salary – new water closet installed at Point Ellice.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1890(1890) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Cold snowy weather marks the start of the new year – many friends sick and in bed – Peter O’Reilly is a pall bearer at the funeral of Lady Amelia Douglas, wife of Sir James Douglas – “Carry” O’Reilly suffers from severe cold and remains in bed – departure of HMS Swiftsure and Admiral Heneage, officers Stapleton, Thynne, and Homer.. FEBRUARY Peter attends shareholder’s and director’s meeting of the Albion Iron Works, Victoria Gas Co, and Canadian Pacific Navigation Co, dividends declared – “Rode to see Foot Ball – a rough game” – meeting regarding proposed Indian industrial school at Alert Bay - “Electric Tram cars commenced to run” – fire damages Point Ellice dining room. MARCH Pruning of “acacia” trees – marriage of Alice Ward to Mortimer Drummond – Dr Helmcken orders Carry O’Reilly to remain in bed during her illness - Peter buys more shares in Bank of B.C. and invests in five lots at Port Crescent. APRIL Carry O’Reilly’s illness continues, Drs Helmcken and Davie are called – doctors report “nothing serious” and proceed with two-hour operation at home using ether – Carry recovers by month end. MAY Carry’s recovery uneven but continues – in Shuswap Peter meet with white landowners who have encroached on Indian lands and encourages them to leave the land – Duke and Duchess of Connaught officially open the Royal Jubilee Hospital – Joseph & Julia Trutch return to Victoria after an absence of 1½ years in England. JUNE Preparations for an Indian Reserve Commission trip to Nitinat on the west coast of Vancouver Island begin – HMS Champion arrives from Honolulu – Bishop Anson of Qu’Appelle preaches and delivers an address. JULY HMS Warspite arrives in Esquimalt harbour with Rear-Admiral Charles Hotham – Peter O’Reilly purchases more shares in the Albion Iron Works for $2400 - tennis parties and dinner gatherings characterize the summer season. AUGUST A reserve is defined at Nitinat Lake on Vancouver Island, after a week the I.R.C. crew is back in Victoria – Peter O’Reilly returns home ill and is confined to bed – Drs Helmcken and Davie visit – most of Peter’s activities curtailed for the remainder of August. SEPTEMBER Two tons of hay and straw delivered – Carry O’Reilly attends lecture on the immigration of women to BC to be servants and farm labourers – lunch on board the HMS Warspite with the Admiral. OCTOBER The Jacksons hold an auction of the contents of their home and depart Victoria to return to England – HMS Amphion departs Esquimalt for Honolulu and the Mediterranean – Carry and daughter “Kit” prepare for a fancy ball – another ball held by the Admiral and officers of the HMS Warpsite which Peter reluctantly attends. NOVEMBER HMS Warspite departs Esquimalt – two Jersey calves purchased – two employees quit, two more are hired, but one quits after two weeks. DECEMBER Peter talks with Joseph Pemberton about prospecting for oil in the Kootenay and Alberta – death of Alfred Brealey and former Victoria mayor James Fell – another cow is purchased – wood, coal, hay, and manure delivered to Point Ellice – holly sent to Sir John Macdonald and Lady Stanley – Christmas Day celebrations at Fairfield and Highwood.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1889(1889) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Rhubarb planted on New Year’s Day – social engagements, working at the office, and letter writing – a fire at the Albion Iron Works. FEBRUARY Albion Iron Works, Victoria Gas Co, and Canadian Pacific Navigation Co meetings, dividends declared – home repairs and fence building - Ashdown Green lays out rose bed below tennis court at Point Ellice, Peter O’Reilly purchases thirty roses for the bed – no letters from wife Carry O’Reilly. MARCH Peter leaves for New York City where he meets Carry and daughter “Kit” returning from England after an absence of 15 months – return to Ottawa to consult with Vankoughnet and Dewdney about Indian matters – meeting with Prime Minster John Macdonald. APRIL Return to Victoria - forty roses planted in the garden – death of Robert Dunsmuir, “A sad & terrible loss to the Province”, “Dunsmuirs funeral the largest I have seen in Victoria” – Capt Lewis discusses building a steam launch for the IRC to use – Jubilee Hospital foundation stone laid – marriage of Flora Jenns to architect William Wilson. MAY Telephone installed – new steps to boathouse built – architect Wilson and Ashdown Green discuss alterations to house and new kitchen, work begins – plans for steam launch proceed - Queen’s birthday regatta, celebrations with friends and naval officers Heneage, Hammet, and Thynne – tennis and tea – cook stove shopping at Albion Iron Works. JUNE Death of BC Supreme Court Judge John Hamilton Gray, Peter O’Reilly is a pall bearer at the funeral – Indian Reserve Commission departs in steamer Douglas for west coast of Vancouver Island creating reserves on Nuu-chah-nulth lands starting at Ucluelet, travelling northwest to Opitsat, Ahousat, Hesquiat, Yuquot (Friendly Cove), Nuchatlitz, Tahsis, and Zeballos tribes and villages. JULY Reserve creation continues at Kyuquot and Quatsino – stop in San Josef Bay before rounding the northern tip of Vancouver Island to Fort Rupert and Alert Bay – travel northward to establish reserves at Hartley Bay, Kitimat, and Kidala Arm – return to Victoria. AUGUST Death of BC Premier Alexander Davie – Mary Cavill arrives from England to work as house maid – work on the new kitchen proceeds, workers paid – tennis parties and a tennis tournament – Sir Michael Culme-Seymour returns to Victoria and visits the O’Reillys. SEPTEMBER Inspection of bank building repair at New Westminster – “axe and chainman” hired twice for Point Ellice – preparations for IRC trip to Nicola region begin – departure for Nicola delayed by the illness of Ashdown Green. OCTOBER Eighteen-day trip to create reserves from Spences Bridge, along Nicola Valley, Quilchena, Douglas Lake, and Ashcroft, some old reserves enlarged – arrival of Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley and Lady Stanley in Victoria – return of Sir Michael Culme-Seymour to Victoria. NOVEMBER Ball and reception held for Lord and Lady Stanley – HMS Amphion runs aground near Victoria with the Stanleys on board – horse riding with Sir Culme-Seymour and “Kit” O’Reilly DECEMBER Dinner and tea with the naval officers – Point Ellice holly sent to Lady Stanley, Lady Macdonald, and friends – St Johns Church decorated with holly - house maid Mary Cavill departs to marry O’Reilly employee George Hick – Arthur Pinder and his new bride visit – fire at New Westminster.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1888(1888) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY In London the O’Reilly family visits family and friends, attends church and theatre, and goes shopping – possible employment Frank O’Reilly with Kinipple civil engineer – Jack O’Reilly leaves for school at Uppingham – Peter O’Reilly sends cariboo and sheep heads to friends – visit to Rockingham Castle near Uppingham. FEBRUARY Brief visit with Jack at Uppingham – in London Peter attends the Zander Institute known for its exercise equipment – Carry orders a bear skin boa and muff, and a dinner set – visits with Sir Culme-Seymour, Louisa Ellis, and Lieut. Garforth - frequent shopping at the Army & Navy Stores. MARCH The family purchases new clothing – Peter arranges for purchased goods to be shipped to Victoria, including his old clothes – attendance to concerts and the theatre – purchases made for Matthew Begbie - Peter and Carry visit Jack at Uppingham – Peter, Carry, and daughter Puss prepare for a trip to Spain. APRIL Engineer Kinipple promises to offer employment to Frank – Peter, Carry, and Puss depart for Paris, then Madrid, and Valencia where they meet with John White – travel to Lyon, then Aix-les-Bains to take the baths – Jack joins the family at Aix - Peter falls ill and is confined to bed. MAY Peter recovers from his illness, resumes his daily baths as prescribed by Dr Blanc – sightseeing – Jack returns to school at Uppingham – departure at month end with stops in Geneva and Paris. JUNE Return to Folkestone and London – visits with the Daveys, Emily White, Sir Culme-Seymour and Louisa Ellis – shopping and attending the theater – Puss takes riding lessons – Kinipple complains about Frank’s work and can no longer promise him employment – a brief trip to Uppingham to visit son Jack one more time – Peter departs England leaving Carry, Frank, Puss, and Jack. JULY Brief stop in Ottawa, discussions with Vankoughnet and Prime Minister Macdonald regarding Indian matters – death of John Carmichael Haynes – stop in Regina to meet with Dewdney and Lieutenant Governor – in Victoria discussions resume regarding Nass and Cowichan reserves – Frank O’Reilly to go to Buenos Aires for survey work – final payment from beef cattle speculation. AUGUST Reserve crew departs for coastal areas creating reserves along the way - arrival at Metlakatla – at Fort Simpson Peter encounters resistance – reserves created in Kincolith area and along Nass River where “Title & payment for land demanded or no reserves could be accepted”. SEPTEMBER Meeting with Chief Scotain, “refused to have reserves unless the whole valley was given” – at Kincolith a “friendly meeting” and at Fort Simpson a “stormy meeting” – more reserves created on return trip to Victoria – work and social life at home resumes – goods shipped from England unpacked. OCTOBER Two-day trip to Cowichan to settle land dispute – discussions regarding executorship of Haynes estate -reserves established between Vernon and Kamloops – Ashdown Green gathers information about pre-emption claims on reserve land at Keremeos – Peter visits Tom & Georgie Ellis at Penticton – old reserves laid out and new ones created in the Similkameen area. NOVEMBER Two more weeks spent with the Ellises, frequent deer hunting – visit to William Roper at Cherry Creek ranch – visit with the Cornwalls at Ashcroft – return to Victoria – Victoria Gas Company decides to improve storage and distribution facilities. DECEMBER Lord Listowel visits Victoria for three weeks and mostly stays at Point Ellice while his son Lord Ennismore recovers at hospital - 25th wedding anniversary of Carry & Peter O’Reilly – thirtieth letter of the year sent to Carry - Peter is saddened by not being with his family at Christmas as they remain in England and ArgentinaItem Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1887(1887) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY John Trutch becomes a Canadian Pacific Railway arbitrator – Peter O’Reilly plans a purchase of eight lots “opposite stable” at Point Ellice – Kathleen “Puss” O’Reilly takes music lessons – Frank O’Reilly attends a Conservative party political meeting. FEBRUARY A delegation of Fort Simpson (Tsimshian) and Nass (Nisga’a) Indians meet with Israel Powell and Peter O’Reilly, reports prepared – shareholders meeting of Albion Iron Works, 10% dividend paid - purchase of nine lots near Point Ellice – Hugh Nelson appointed Lieutenant Governor replacing Clement Cornwall – Peter experiences several days of illness, calls on Dr Helmcken. MARCH Recently purchased lots surveyed – Samuel Tuck unable to provide field books and reports to the Indian Reserve Commission on time – lot clearing begins, Frank tries to blow up roots with “Giant Powder” – death of BC Premier William Smithe, “funeral very largely attended”. APRIL Clearance of new lots continues, including root and brush removal, a house removal, and plowing the soil – painters and gardeners at work at Point Ellice – two-year anniversary of the O’Reilly carriage accident – Frank accompanies John Lang-Hyde on a survey. MAY Discussions begin with Chief Commissioner of Lands & Works Forbes Vernon regarding Indian reserves of concern at Kootenay and Metlakatla - dinner engagements with the usual friends and naval officers, tennis and tea – Carry & Puss go to Beacon Hill to hear a band – Peter & Ashdown Green, accompanied by Frank, Admiral Culme-Seymour, and Lieutenant Garforth, depart for the Cowichan area to review a timber lease, land desired for cedar by the Indians, and to go fishing. JUNE Discussions with Superintendent of Indian Affairs Israel Powell regarding Kootenay reserves - socializing and playing tennis with the Royal Navy officers – a short trip to define the Semiahmoo reserve – Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and regatta enjoyed at Point Ellice. JULY Reserves created for the Toosey band of the Chilcotin Indians – plan to build bank on Peter O’Reilly’s leased property in New Westminster proceeds – further discussion with Commissioner Vernon regarding Kootenay reserves. AUGUST Tennis, dinner parties, and fishing with family, friends, and naval officers – dinners on board the naval vessels – several dances held – tennis tournament for men and one for women – O’Reilly and Vernon discuss adjustment of Kootenay reserves. SEPTEMBER IRC party including Arthur Vowell, Israel Powell, Forbes Vernon, Ashdown Green, and Peter O’Reilly depart by train for the Kootenay – Chief Isadore’s reserves reviewed, another 640-acre reserve for Isadore’s meadow created, others extended – indifference by Powell and Vernon to writing minutes of decision for new reserves to be read to Isadore. OCTOBER Peter prepares information for the Commission of Enquiry – Lawrence Vankoughnet, Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs in Ottawa, spends two weeks in Victoria meeting with Peter and Dr Powell – Charles Todd appointed Indian Agent at Metlakatla – Vankoughnet, Powell, O’Reilly & Todd meet with delegation of Indians from Fort Simpson and Nass. NOVEMBER Social events with naval officers Seymour, Garforth, Simpson, and Hutchison continue – Algernon Heneage becomes Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Station replacing Sir Michael Culme-Seymour who departs for England – the O’Reillys prepare for their departure to England, many visitors come to say goodbye – ten-year lease of property for bank at New Westminster signed, payments to architect begin for construction. DECEMBER Peter, Carry, Puss, Frank, and Grace Davey depart by train in Vancouver, travel to Montreal then New York City – Cunard ship Etruria takes them to Liverpool in eight days – arrival in London where they meet with family, friends, Sir Michael and Lady Seymour, then reunited with son Jack – travel to Folkestone to see Carry’s sister, the Hares, and others – heaviest fall of snow in thirty years.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1886(1886) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O’Reilly continues to loan money for mortgages – ice skating at Colwood and Skinner’s Pond – Carry, Frank, and Kathleen “Puss” O’Reilly attend a ball given by the Admiral and fleet - parties at the Crease and Pooley homes. FEBRUARY Caroline “Carry” and Kathleen “Puss” O’Reilly visit ailing Fanny Bickford – Peter continues to recover from the 1885 carriage accident, sits outside in his chair and uses a crutch to walk – Frank O’Reilly gets two dozen small fir trees from the Gorge waterway to plant at Point Ellice. MARCH Asparagus bed established, fir trees and thorn hedge planted – piles driven for a boathouse and breakwater – Dr Jones, dentist, fills three of Peter’s teeth at home – tennis court grass cut and rolled. APRIL Peter returns to work at his office and goes to St John’s Church for first time since the carriage accident one year earlier – death of Dr John Ash – more Albion Iron Works shares purchased - Land & Works office approves most of surveyed Indian reserves. MAY Peter loans more money for mortgages – tries out and purchases horse “Mac” – consultation with John Trutch regarding enlargement of kitchen – six day trip to lay out reserves for Nepa Indians between Lytton and Ashcroft. JUNE Ashdown Green copies Church Missionary Society Metlakatla report - “The town of Vancouver burnt down” – Peter and Ashdown Green work at home on reserve reports and amendments to minutes of decision - Peter travels the west coast of Vancouver Island to establish reserves at Hesquiat, stops along the way for a crew to repair the Cape Beale lighthouse - Frank and Puss play tennis. JULY The family attends a Beacon Hill Park cricket match, a band concert, and a sham naval fight in Esquimalt where Peter is carried about in a chair – Peter visits with Sir John A Macdonald and Lady Macdonald at the Driard Hotel in Victoria. AUGUST Women’s tennis tournament hosted at Point Ellice – Sir John A and Lady Macdonald have lunch and high tea at Point Ellice, a regatta and torch light procession follow – a ball is given for Lady Macdonald - Carry takes Lady Macdonald shopping and to the naval cemetery – coastal reserves previously laid out approved, others not allowed – frequent tennis events and dinners. SEPTEMBER Inspection of boats at Esquimalt dockyard - dissatisfaction with Metlakatla reserve – Peter travels up the eastern side of Vancouver Island and along various islands and waterways to review previous surveys by Gilbert Sproat – new reserves for Fort Rupert and Nimpkish Indians. OCTOBER Reserve establishment continues, some reserves previously established by Sproat do not exist – back in Victoria Peter sends telegram to Sir John Macdonald regarding reserve situation at Metlakatla – further discussions ensue, naval ship HMS Cormorant sent north to Metlakatla – reserves recently laid out are approved. NOVEMBER Improvements to drainage of tennis court at Point Ellice, new sod, and reseeding – discussions about Metlakatla situation continue and include Indian Affairs Superintendent Israel Wood Powell. DECEMBER Arrangements made for 13-year-old Jack to attend Uppingham School in England – death of William Fraser Tolmie – officers of the HMS Cormorant call at Point Ellice - discussions with Joseph Trutch and surveyors regarding Metlakatla – Point Ellice holly decorates St John’s Church and is sent to Lady Macdonald.
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »