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| tlm-p_character_possessions_photos_death [2023/11/06 16:34] – judith | tlm-p_character_possessions_photos_death [2024/04/12 15:27] (current) – [Death] judith |
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| ====== Character, Possessions, Photos, Death ====== | ====== Character, Possessions, Photos, Death ====== |
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| 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.\\ |
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| | ==== 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))\\ |
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| ==== Character ==== | ==== 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.)) 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.))\\ | 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.))\\ |
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| 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)) \\ | 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|}}\\ | The M-P seal apparently acquired by TLM-P or his son, R.S. M-P. {{:m-p_seal_resized.jpg?200|}}\\ |
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| 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)) \\ | 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)) \\ |
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| 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?))\\ |
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| 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))\\ | 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))\\ |
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| ==== Death ==== | ==== Death ==== |
| | 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.))\\ |
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| 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)) \\ | 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)) \\ |
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| 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.\\ |
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| His death certificate listing his 14 surviving children, ranging in age from 44 to 7 years old. {{:tlmp_death_cert.jpg?400|}} \\ | His death certificate listing his 14 surviving children, ranging in age from 44 to 7 years old. {{:tlmp_death_cert.jpg?400|}} \\ |