Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1876
Date
1876
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
The O’Reilly children see Professor Herrmann the “Wizzard” at the Theatre Royal – Peter O’Reilly consults with architect John Teague regarding repair and alteration to Point Ellice – Walkem government defeated on a vote of no-confidence – stones brought in to use for the house alteration.
FEBRUARY
John Teague consults again about “raising the house” – Peter holds court at New Westminster and tours the “old Govt house grounds a painful sight to see the trees fences gardens &c in dilapidation cattle & horses running at large”.
MARCH
Peter O’Reilly continues to deposit money with the Loan Investment Society – attends executive meetings of church synod and raises money for the synod and diocesan fund – holds court at New Westminster.
APRIL
Court at Yale, Lytton, and Kamloops – serious illness of Carry’s mother Charlotte Trutch and her recovery, “Very favourable report of the Old Lady...” – Peter pays off and discharges servant Ah Bat – purchase of the cow “Lady Tick”.
MAY
Peter discusses with Joseph Trutch the recovery of Charlotte Trutch after he leaves office and Government House – holds assize and county courts at New Westminster, Yale, Lytton, with Judge Begbie participating.
JUNE
Court at New Westminster – Carry Hare intends to move to Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) – as a church trustee Peter signs marriage settlement of Bishop Hills and Mrs Hills.
JULY
Peter coordinates auction for the Hares – inquires for Capt Richard Hare’s assignments as commander of HMS Myrmidon - Carry Hare departs Victoria – Peter attends synod conference of clergy and laity – arranges with Tom Ellis the sale of interest in Penticton property for $7500 – visits Joseph Trutch in office at Government House one last time – court at New Westminster – Albert Norton Richards sworn in as Lieutenant Governor replacing Trutch.
AUGUST
Water pipes laid from the street to the O’Reilly and Drake homes – court at Lytton, Ashcroft, Kamloops – Peter meets with new Lieutenant Governor.
SEPTEMBER
Lord Dufferin, Governor General of Canada, and Lady Dufferin visit Victoria – Peter meets with Lord Dufferin for 1¾ hours and discusses building a railroad in western Canada.
OCTOBER
Improvements made to the croquet ground – auction at the Trutch estate “Fairfield” – Peter’s usual court circuit yields little business and he returns home when he learns of the serious condition of his daughter Mary (“Pop”).
NOVEMBER
Deaths of Mary O’Reilly and Caroline’s mother Charlotte one day apart – few diary entries are made for this month.
DECEMBER
A Wellingtonia or giant sequoia tree is planted in the garden – court at New Westminster - Mrs Ward “dangerously ill” and the Ward children are taken to stay at the O’Reilly home.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1876. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01908, Box 2, File 4.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century