Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- tlm-p_character_possessions_photos_death [2021/07/04 11:04] – [Character] judith
+++ tlm-p_character_possessions_photos_death [2024/04/12 15:27] (current) – [Death] judith
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Character, Possessions, Photos, Death ======
-TLM-P's actions and possessions as well as his writings reveal much about his character, and this section gives additional hints about what he was like. To put his attitudes in historical context, see [[https://search-informit-com-au.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/fullText;dn=894868058794672;res=IELAPA|Hogg, Robert. 'The Most Manly Class that Exists': British Gentlemen on the Queensland Frontier. Journal of Australian Colonial History, Vol. 13, 2011: 65-84.]] cited 02 Jun 20.
+TLM-P's actions and possessions as well as his writings reveal much about his character, and this section gives additional hints about what he was like. To put his attitudes in historical context, see [[https://search-informit-com-au.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/fullText;dn=894868058794672;res=IELAPA|Hogg, Robert. 'The Most Manly Class that Exists': British Gentlemen on the Queensland Frontier. Journal of Australian Colonial History, Vol. 13, 2011: 65-84.]] cited 02 Jun 20.\\
+==== Religion ====
+TLM-P's diaries indicated that he was an Anglican with conventional beliefs but questioning attitude. His cheque list in 1867 indicates that the family gave money for 'sittings' in St John's  (Brisbane's pro-cathedral).((MLMSS3117/Box 9))\\
+\\
 ==== Character ====
-The view of //Australia's Representative Men// was that TLM-P had a 'most courteous manner and kindness of feeling'. Further, 'all classes can approach him and be received without ostentation'. His private character matched his public image, with his 'family and acquaintances' holding him 'in great esteem'. He retained strong ties to his country of birth, visiting there in 1881, 1885 and 1888.((//Australia's Representative Men//, ed. T.W.H. Leavitt,Improved Edition, Melbourne: Wells and Leavitt, c.1889, entry for T.L. Murray-Prior. The book used is the one TLM-P owned, signed by him and dated 14th June 1889. It is likely that TLM-P provided the information.)) Like other  squatters,((Barry Stone, //The Squatters: The Story of Australia's Pastoral Pioneers//, Allen & Unwin, 2019.))he displayed considerable anxiety about re-establishing his family's gentry status. Unlike his father, TLM-P insisted on the Murray-Prior surname rather than just Prior. It was TLM-P who wrote to the College of Heralds to confirm the family's heraldic entitlement. Once it was confirmed, he had the M-P crest engraved on many of his belongings. As in the case of this watch, it also served as a useful point of identification in case of thief.{{:dscn3872.jpg?300|}}((Provenance: T.A. & M.T. M-P)) \\
+The view of //Australia's Representative Men// was that TLM-P had a 'most courteous manner and kindness of feeling'. Further, 'all classes can approach him and be received without ostentation'. His private character matched his public image, with his 'family and acquaintances' holding him 'in great esteem'. He retained strong ties to his country of birth, visiting there in 1881, 1885 and 1888.((//Australia's Representative Men//, ed. T.W.H. Leavitt, Improved Edition, Melbourne: Wells and Leavitt, c.1889, entry for T.L. Murray-Prior. The book used is the one TLM-P owned, signed by him and dated 14th June 1889. It is likely that TLM-P provided the information.)) The Brisbane newspaper, in his obituary choose to praise him by stating that 'his courtesy and urbanity won the esteem and hearty goodwill of the members of the [Legislative] Council'.((The Brisbane Courier, 2 January 1893, p.5.))\\
+\\
+Like other  squatters,((Barry Stone, //The Squatters: The Story of Australia's Pastoral Pioneers//, Allen & Unwin, 2019; e.g. In 1860, the McConnel family also tried to prove their right to armorial bearings, [[https://cressbrookstation.com.au/the-mcconnel-family-cressbrook-today/]])) he displayed considerable anxiety about re-establishing his family's gentry status. Unlike his father, TLM-P insisted on the Murray-Prior surname rather than just Prior. It was TLM-P who wrote to the College of Heralds to confirm the family's heraldic entitlement. Once it was confirmed, he had the M-P crest engraved on many of his belongings. As in the case of this watch, it also served as a useful point of identification in case of thief.{{:dscn3872.jpg?300|}}((Provenance: T.A. & M.T. M-P)) \\
 The M-P seal apparently acquired by TLM-P or his son, R.S. M-P.  {{:m-p_seal_resized.jpg?200|}}\\
 \\
@@ Line 11: / Line 16: @@
 The courtly politician was also typical of the pioneer settlers in that he prided himself on undertaking hard physical work. Isobel Hannah is likely to be correct when she stated that this 'cultured man, appreciating the finer things of life, ... was withal a worker in the truest sense. Popular with his employees, sharing with them a strenuous day on the run, after sheep and cattle, I have known men, who served him when young, retain to the end of their own long lives the utmost affection for Mr. Murray-Prior.'((Isobel Hannah, 'The Royal Descent of the First Postmaster-General of Queensland', Queensland Geographical Journal, vol. LV, 1953-54, p.14.)) Perhaps because he was used to hard physical work, he could be anxious that his status not suffer. One well-known story, with numerous variations, has someone mistaking him for a bullock-driver. TLM-P was supposed to have indignantly replied that he was not a bullocky, but 'A gentleman "squattah" driving my own team'.((Patricia Clarke, The Murray-Priors at Bromelton 1844-1853 in Patricia Savage (compiled), //They came to Bromelton: a brief outline of the life and times of the early pioneers who came to Bromleton - from the pages of history, personal diaries, old letters and family recollections//, Patricia Savage, 2004, p.20; ESM-P, pers.)) \\
-In contrast to the above story of his snobbishness, TLM-P's diary of his 1882 visit to England shows him as avidly curious and willing to engage in friendly talk with anyone he thought interesting. On the 26th May, he records a - for him - typical incident: '//passing a butchers shop I was having a look at their beef when ... [butcher] asked me if I would like to see the shop so we got into conversation and he shewed me all over asking "my missus" [actually his step-sister Jemima] to come too ... I told the man I was in the trade and had an invitation to his farm which I shall avail myself of some day ... I was glad to be able to compare [his beef] .. with ours as my eye was fresh for a comparison.//' Similarly when visiting Jemima at Portsmouth, he called into the local butcher's shop to get the men's opinion on Australian meat.The day before he had accidentally bought a 3rd class rather than 1st class ticket on the train from Rosa's to London, but soon '//got into chat with some decent men of the trade or manufacturing class and reaped as much information from them as I could. Found the Australian wheat liked// ...'.((TLM-P, Diary, 2-3 June 1882)). His 1882 diary shows considerable appreciation for the hard lot of English servants. He thought that the Misses Sterlings' servants were good because the mistresses were so nice, making it a happy home for all.((TLM-P, Diary, 17 June 1882)). One act of consideration was particularly appreciated: he gave his step-sister's servant 5 shillings as a present on her 18th birthday, commenting that it 'delighted the poor girl who told Jemima no one had done it before.'((TLM-P, Diary, 23 June 1882)) \\
+In contrast to the above story of his snobbishness, TLM-P's diary of his 1882 visit to England shows him as avidly curious and willing to engage in friendly talk with anyone he thought interesting. On the 26th May, he records a - for him - typical incident: '//passing a butchers shop I was having a look at their beef when ... [butcher] asked me if I would like to see the shop so we got into conversation and he shewed me all over asking "my missus" [actually his step-sister Jemima] to come too ... I told the man I was in the trade and had an invitation to his farm which I shall avail myself of some day ... I was glad to be able to compare [his beef] .. with ours as my eye was fresh for a comparison.//' Similarly when visiting Jemima at Portsmouth, he called into the local butcher's shop to get the men's opinion on Australian meat. The day before he had accidentally bought a 3rd class rather than 1st class ticket on the train from Rosa's to London, but soon '//got into chat with some decent men of the trade or manufacturing class and reaped as much information from them as I could. Found the Australian wheat liked// ...'.((TLM-P, Diary, 2-3 June 1882)). His 1882 diary shows considerable appreciation for the hard lot of English servants. He thought that the Misses Sterlings' servants were good because the mistresses were so nice, making it a happy home for all.((TLM-P, Diary, 17 June 1882)). One act of consideration was particularly appreciated: he gave his step-sister's servant 5 shillings as a present on her 18th birthday, commenting that it 'delighted the poor girl who told Jemima no one had done it before.'((TLM-P, Diary, 23 June 1882)) \\
 \\
 The nature of the praise by his second wife is also worth noting. It could be expected that she would praise him when writing to her step-daughter, but their correspondence was an unusually frank exchange between friends. The qualities she singled out was his consistent hard work, 'energy and foresight'.((Nora M-P to Rosa Praed, 29 July [1883] and 7 September 1884. MS OM81-71, JOL.))  \\
@@ Line 17: / Line 22: @@
 His diaries, as well as his friendship with Leichhardt, reveal his intense scientific and philosophical curiosity. When he was in London in 1882, he got chatting to a Salvation Army officer, commenting that Meta, then 9 years old, had asked, 'Why God let the Devil make her bad!' TLM-P told the officer that he thought this and other tricky questions should be honestly tackled by clergyman rather than the issue being dismissed with an exhortation to have faith.((TLM-P, Diary, 14 June 1882)) While he shared the common view of his time that religion was necessary, he was tolerant of sectarian differences. A High Church Anglican service amazed him with its similarities to Catholic rituals, but while he privately considered the service 'too much like acting and mummery', he conceded others may feel differently 'and if sincere may do good'.((TLM-P, Diary, 25 June 1882)) \\
 \\
-It is a relief, given the number of children he had, that the evidence of his 1882 diary is that he had a soft spot for children, particularly grandchildren. He is pleased when he can be with them, and a bit of a soft touch. On 13 August 1882, for instance, he wrote in his diary that he was up late because Rosa's two young boys had come into his room before he got up and insisted on a story - this was apparently their morning routine.((TLM-P, Diary, 13,14,16 August 1882, ML.)) In this diary there is also a reference to taking Meta to the park and other indications he was an active, loving father.((TLM-P, Diary, 27 June 1882, ML.)) A letter of his to Florence M-P indicates that his troubles with his adult children clouded his attitude: 'Kiss baby for Grandfather with his best wishes - 3 years old - it is to be hoped she will remain baby - Children are not an unmixed[?] blessing'((TLM-P to Florence M-P, 25 July 1889, NLA?))\\
+It is a relief, given the number of children he had, that the evidence of his 1882 diary is that he was loving and patient with his grandchildren. He is pleased when he can be with them, and a bit of a soft touch. On 13 August 1882, for instance, he wrote in his diary that he was up late because Rosa's two young boys had come into his room before he got up and insisted on a story - this was apparently their morning routine.((TLM-P, Diary, 13,14,16 August 1882, ML.)) In this diary there is also a reference to taking Meta to the park and other indications he was an active, loving father.((TLM-P, Diary, 27 June 1882, ML.)) A letter of his to Florence M-P indicates that his troubles with his adult children clouded his attitude: 'Kiss baby for Grandfather with his best wishes - 3 years old - it is to be hoped she will remain baby - Children are not an unmixed[?] blessing'((TLM-P to Florence M-P, 25 July 1889, NLA?))\\
 \\
 TLM-P's conflict with Elise Barney of the Brisbane Post office has resulted in him being an anti-hero for numerous feminist historians, but his two choices of wife, and his support for his controversial daughter Rosa's public career, indicates that he respected independent women. While in London in 1882, he gave practical support to Rosa: he gave her £500 (£517.10 in Australian pounds; around $64,569 in 2017 values) depositing it in a bank account in her name. To do so, as a married women, she needed her husband's permission which Campbell Praed gave. TLM-P gave the money as an advance on the money he planned to leave Rosa on his death. It is significant that he did so ensuring that she had sole control of the money.((TLM-P, Diary, 14,21 July 1882, ML)) Similarly, when his daughter Lizzie's marriage to Jack Jardine was discussed, Nora M-P stated that TLM-P intended to help them with a gift of stock, 'probably cows, branded with her name & tightly settled upon her'.((Nora to Rosa Praed, 22 September 1881, JOQ))\\
@@ Line 52: / Line 57: @@
 \\
 ==== Death ====
-As shown in the following death certificate, TLM-P died on New Year's Eve in 1892 at 'Whytecliffe', Albion, Brisbane. He was suffering from stomach cancer and, with a lack of effective pain relief, like so many others at the time, a contributing factor to his death was 'exhaustion'. As could be expected, he had been sick some time. In August 1889 he wanted to travel to England to meet up with Nora and help her with her return trip home, but his doctors advised against it.((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no. 8, p.69)) Nora was overly-optimistic, writing to her daughters on 19 November 1892 that 'Father doing wonderfully well and if he goes on improving he will soon be out of danger.'((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no. 8)) \\
+TLM-P generally enjoyed good health until the last years of his life. An exception was in August 1866 when he paid Dr Robert Handcock £1.15.0 for 'attendance on self'.((MLMSS3117/Box 9. According to Thom's calculator, that fee is around $168 in 2023 values.))\\
+As shown in the following death certificate, TLM-P died on New Year's Eve in 1892 at 'Whytecliffe', Albion, Brisbane. The Queensland Government House flew their flag at half-mast to honour him.((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no. 8, p.70.)) TLM-P died from stomach cancer. While his obituary used the cliched 'he peacefully breathed his last',((The Brisbane Courier, 2 January 1893, p.5)) his death certificate reveals that, like so many others at the time given a lack of effective pain relief, a contributing factor to his death was 'exhaustion'. As could be expected, he had been sick some time. In August 1889 he wanted to travel to England to meet up with Nora and help her with her return trip home, but his doctors advised against it.((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no. 8, p.69)) Nora was overly-optimistic, writing to her daughters on 19 November 1892 that 'Father doing wonderfully well and if he goes on improving he will soon be out of danger.'((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no. 8)) \\
 \\
-One cause of stomach cancer, from which his eldest son and second eldest daughter also died, is a lack of vegetables resulting in vitamin deficiency. This connection, and vitamins themselves, were unknown at the time. It is easy to imagine that fresh fruit and vegetables were in short supply when he was living on his remote properties. And, of course, European settlers did not eat much of traditional 'bush tucker' of the Indigenous locals.\\
+One cause of stomach cancer, from which his eldest son and second eldest daughter also died, is vitamin deficiency.((Naemi Kermanshahi M, Safaei E, Tutunchi H, Naghshi S, Mobarak S, Asadi M, Sadeghi O. Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to gastric cancer risk: A comprehensive and updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies. Front Nutr. 2023 Feb 6;10:973171. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.973171. PMID: 36814513; PMCID: PMC9939448.)) Vitamins were unknown at the time. The only reference I've found so far in the stores accounts of the station ledgers (see [[Employees, stores]]) to fresh fruit and vegetables is that of 'salad oil'. Additionally, fruit trees take time to bear, vegetables could be difficult to prioritise amongst other needs, and European settlers did not value Indigenous 'bush tucker'. It is not hard to see a link between this early restricted diet and TLM-P and his elder children developing stomach cancer.\\
 \\
-Note too that the death certificate lists his 14 surviving children, ranging in age from 44 to 7 years old. \\
+His death certificate listing his 14 surviving children, ranging in age from 44 to 7 years old. {{:tlmp_death_cert.jpg?400|}} \\
 \\
-{{:tlmp_death_cert.jpg?400|}}
+In his will, TLM-P attempted to provide for all his family and, to modern eyes, to continue to control his family. Given he had stomach cancer, he knew he was dying, and signed his will on 5 May, seven months before he died, with three codicils dated in the weeks and days before he finally succumbed on 31 December 1892. The complexity of providing for all eventualities, and leaving money in trust for numerous dependants, meant that the trustees had to go to court to get a ruling on the will's legal meaning. This first occurred in October 1905, and then in 1940, after the death of his daughter Dorothy. The latter, to determine what would happen to her share of the trust, amounted to 10 foolscap typed pages on the legal meaning of the word 'surviving'!((Legal opinion re Trusts of the Will of Thomas Lodge Murray Prior Decd, 11 October 1905 and 11 June 1940, J. Godden's copy.)) More seriously, the Trust ran into difficulties after the death of Thomas de M. M-P with the family taking the two trustees (Charles Barton and George Eddington) to court in 1905. While the step-siblings and Nora were united, the court case represented an enormous conflict for Nora as Charles Barton was her brother. As well, costs were borne by the estate.((The Supreme Court of Queensland, No. 166 of 1905, 3 November 1905, J. Godden's copy.)) on 31 December 1900, his estate was valued at £66,621/10/1. In the 1930s, another great depression hit the value of the trust, but nevertheless a list of his investments as at 12 June 1931 reveals his estate was worth in total £33,683 (roughly $3,020,242 in 2017 values). This sum included an advance to Egerton of £2,275; mortgages to Julius (£2350), Meta Hobbs (£500) and Lizzie Jardine (£100) as well as the purchase of a "Mary St Property" (presumably Mary Street in Brisbane) for £11,000.((Union Trustee Company, Brisbane, Estate of Thomas Lodge Murray Prior Deceased. List of Investments at Face Value, 12 June 1931. J. Godden's copy.))\\ The estate was finally wound up with the remaining £15,500 disbursed in 1945.((Andrew Darbyshire, A Fair Slice of St Lucia. Thomas Lodge Murray-Prior, St Lucia History Group research paper no. 8, p.70.))