Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1893
Date
1893
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY 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.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1893. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01910, Box 3, File 3.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century