Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1887
Date
1887
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY 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.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1887. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01910, Box 2, File 15.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century