Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1894
Date
1894
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY 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Clienna reserve lawsuit withdrawn – lacrosse, tennis, cricket, and tea parties mark the summer season –– Peter frequently meets with Joseph Trutch.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.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1894. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01911, Box 3, File 4.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century