Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1877
Date
1877
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Peter O’Reilly as a member of the church synod executive meets with lawyers and the bishop regarding the removal of Rev Thomas Blunden from his pastoral duties – receives dividends from the Victoria Gas Company and Loan Investment Society – holds court at New Westminster.
FEBRUARY
A visit to the Ross Bay Cemetery to see the grave of Charlotte Trutch and Mary O’Reilly – executive meeting of the synod – court in New Westminster.
MARCH
An angry discussion takes place regarding paying Rev Blunden to leave the province – Peter gives evidence to a committee investigating the Indian reserves at “Sooyoos” (Osoyoos).
APRIL
Court at Lytton, Ashcroft, Kamloops, and New Westminster – Peter responds to an urgent request from the Hudson’s Bay Company which results in placing two Indians in jail – Judge Matthew Begbie informs Peter of the loss of compensation for judges while travelling.
MAY
Clement Cornwall stays with the O’Reilly’s in Victoria for several days – Peter attends police court in Victoria – frequent croquet games – court in New Westminster.
JUNE
Synod executive committee gives $200 to Rev Blunden to enable him to leave the diocese – Tom Ellis pays interest on the $7500 loan from Peter – court at Yale and New Westminster.
JULY
Peter buys six tons of hay harvested from Fairfield – attends Victoria Gas Co meeting and receives a share dividend – reelected to the synod executive committee – court at New Westminster, Yale, and Lytton.
AUGUST
Death of Sir James Douglas – court at Kamloops and New Westminster – robbery at Point Ellice – bird hunting on several occasions – Peter takes his son Frank hunting.
SEPTEMBER
Three weeks of work commences on building a cellar and repairing the foundation – consultation about altering the dining room – hunting at the North Dairy farm – court at New Westminster.
OCTOBER
A cook and house maid quit within a week, another house maid quits after one day – at Point Ellice steps are rebuilt at house – carpenters and masons continue to work on the cellar and foundation – court held at Lytton, Ashcroft, Kamloops, New Westminster – Peter goes bird hunting while traveling between court locations.
NOVEMBER
11-year-old Frank O’Reilly and 10-year-old Lindley Crease escorted by Arthur Vowell depart Victoria to attend school in England – one year anniversary of the death of Mary O’Reilly – death of Mrs Bulkley – court at Yale, Lytton, Ashcroft.
DECEMBER
Court at Kamloops – steamer Reliance strikes a rock and sinks, and Peter finds a canoe to take him to New Westminster to hold court – Frank arrives at Liverpool – after the death of his wife Thomas Bulkley auctions his belongings and departs Victoria sailing to England with his children.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1877. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01909, Box 2, File 5.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century