Florence Amy McVicar

This fifth child and fourth daughter of James and Janet was born 3rd September 1860, and not registered, probably because the family was in the throes of moving from the Lamplough diggings to those of Mountain Hut., not just themselves, including very small children, but also the components which would be reassembled as their Glasgow Store.  

According to her death certificate, whose informant was her father, Florence was born at Mountain Hut. 

So far, no definite photograph of Florence has been identified, but it's possible that the dark, sad looking girl in Gwen S's album is Florence. 

When Florence Amy died, aged 19, on 22 October 1879 (9573) near Mountain Hut, from typhoid fever, she was described as a domestic servant.  She was the first of James' and Janet's childen to die since the infant death of their first child Janet Caroline in 1854. She was buried in the Amphitheatre-Glenlogie Cemetery on 23 October 1879. Her day-old brother Neil was also buried there in May 1881, but their parents and several other siblings are buried in the Avoca Cemetery. 

Amphitheatre-Glenlogie Cemetery, looking towards Mountain Hut, 2009

 The Avoca Mail of 24th  October 1879 reported, “a death under peculiar and rather painful circumstances occurred on Wednesday afternoon.  Florence McVicar, daughter of a well known resident at Mountain Hut, was taken suddenly ill at her father’s house on Sunday last.  Mr. Clark, a resident of the neighbourhood, administered some powders, but the girl gradually got worse, and on Wednesday she was brought into Avoca with the intention of taking her to the Maryborough Hospital.  On the road, however, she became insensible, and on arrival at Avoca, was taken to Dr. Morris.  It was then apparent that death was not far off and Mr. McVicar determined to return home with his daughter, but the unfortunate girl died on the road before her home could be reached.  The matter was reported to the police, but on supposition that the case was one of typhoid fever it has been unnecessary to hold an enquiry.  A letter on this subject, from Dr. Morris, will be found in another column."

That column seems (due to poor current reproduction) to read.

"To the Editor of the Avoca Mail.

Dear Sir, I  was sent for early yesterday morning to the Union Hotel to see a young woman, Florence Amy McVicar. I found her bedded in a cart in the yard of the hotel; and was there asked to examine her.

It was stated by her friends that they were taking her to the hospital, but they were afraid she would die on the road. They had already travelled about seven miles.

I found'her breathing heavily, in a state of stupor, perfectly insensible, and with a low weak pulse, 'black' sores on teeth and tongue. The case, so far as I was then enabled to judge, appeared to be one of typhoid fever, but whether the stupor arose from the disease or from improperly used narcotics, I had no means of ascertaining.

I stated 'my willingness to attend upon her' if she could, remain. This, they stated, could not he done. I then asked if she could have medical attendance at home. The reply was that she could not. Under these circumstances, I had no alternative but to recommend their proceeding without delay. They proceeded a little way, when she died. I declined to give a medical certificate of death, considering from these and other circumstances the case was one for inquiry.

I since learn that the police, in conjunction with the clerk of the court, have (in the absence of the Police Magistrate, who also is Coroner) reported to the Deputy-Registrar their opinion that inquiry is unnecessary. It would be satisfactory to the public, and also to myself, to be informed on what grounds they arrive at this conclusion - as also as to when, where, and how she came by her death.

...I. am,. Sir,, ,.

Your obedt. servt.,

W. S.MORRIS:

Avoca, October 23rd, l879."

It’s believed that Florence was Archibald’s favourite sister, and that her death when he was 15 affected him greatly.  Archibald’s third daughter (my grandmother) was named Florence (though for reasons unknown, but perhaps due to painful memories, he always called her "Bob").

Next page: Evelyn Clara McVicar