Annie Murray Boyle

Annie Boyle and her older sister, Eliza the daughters of Jane Bennet and James Boyle, a journeyman cabinet maker, embarked from Greenock, on the Loch Shiel in late December 1893 and arrived in Melbourne in early April the following year. Already living in Melbourne were two maternal aunts, Elizabeth and Mary Bennet along with Elizabeth's son, Robert Lemmon.

Five years passed before Annie, aged twenty-eight, arrived at the Ovens District Hospital in early May 1898 to begin her nursing career.

Whilst all the staff at the ODH were in danger of contracting infectious diseases, the risk was much higher for the nursing staff. Annie Boyle in 1899 took some to recover 'from her Typhoid Fever attack.'

The 1901 annual nursing examinations took place over three days in Febraury of that year. Four of the senior nurses including Annie 'passed with credit.'

After qualifying as a general nurse in March 1902, Annie was offered the position of staff nurse which she occupied for two years. Prior to her departure, James Ingram, a member of the board of management, encouraged the board to give Annie a good recommendation 'as after six years' service at the hospital she left with a splendid reputation as a nurse, being most assiduous and careful in the performance of her duties and greatly esteemed by the patients.'

After returning to Melbourne, Annie lived in East Melbourne and worked for some years as a nurse before relocating to Elizabeth Bennet's home in Smart Street, Hawthorn where her sister Eliza also lived.

Annie died in July 1952 and was buried with her sister Eliza at the Box Hill cemetery.

Research Notes

Born 14 April 1870 at Blythswood, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Left Glasgow bound for Melbourne on the Loch Shiel with her sister Eliza on the Loch Shiel 31 December 1892. Voyage 120 days. Arrived April 1893.

Awarded certificate Beechworth Hospital 31 March 1902.

From the ODH House Committee report 2 August 1898 – A report was received from the Matron stating that Nurses Boyle and Brierly had been medically examined and passed as suitable for probationer nurses.

From the ODH House Committee report 22 May 1899 – A letter was received from the Matron stating that probationer nurses Cameron and Brown had been examined as to their health, and that Nurse Cameron was in every way satisfactory but that Nurse Brown’s health was not satisfactory. The Secretary was instructed to engage another probationer in Nurse Brown’s place and also one in Nurse Boyle’s place as it would be some months before Nurse Boyle would be fully recovered from her Typhoid Fever attack; Nurse Boyle to be allowed to resume duties when able.

From the ODH House Committee report 25 February 1901 – The reported stated that on 19th, 20th & 21st February the annual examinations of nurses was held. Nine nurses were examined and all passed. Among the senior nurses, Nurse Brierly, Malyon, Humphrey and Boyle passed with credit and Nurse Vines passed.

It was recommended that Nurse Boyle be offered a position as staff nurse on completing her training at the end of March, as she was suitable in every way - see Ovens & Murray Advertiser, 15 February 1902.

Date of qualification – 31 March 1902.

From the ODH House Committee report 20 April, 1903 – The resignation of Nurse Boyle was received with regret.

Resignation of Nurse Boyle received with regret - Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 25 April 1903.

From the ODH House Committee report 4 May 1903 – Nurse Boyle wrote asking to be allowed to withdraw her resignation and to be granted four weeks leave of absence as it was on account so badly needing a holiday that she had sent in her resignation. It was decided to comply with Nurse Boyle’s request.

Nurse Boyle wrote asking to be allowed to withdraw her resignation and be granted four weeks' leave of absence instead, as she badly needed a holiday. It was decided to comply with Nurse Boyle's request and to grant her four weeks' leave of absence - Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 9 May 1903, page 4.

From the ODH House Committee report 21 March 1904 – The resignation of Staff Nurse Boyle was received …

Finally resigned March 1904.

From the April 1904 UNA Journal – Miss A.M. Boyle, the senior staff nurse, has severed her connection with the hospital, much to the regret of the whole staff, after 5¾ years’ service. Miss N.F MacFadgen , a former trainee of the hospital has been appointed to the vacancy caused by Nurse Boyle’s resignation. – written by Matron Winning.

From a board of management meeting 23 March 1904 - Mr Ingram hoped Nurse Boyle would be given a good recommendation, as after six years' service at the hospital she left with a splendid reputation as a nurse, being most assiduous and careful in the performance of her duties and greatly esteemed by the patients. - Ovens & Murray Advertiser, 26 March 1904, page 8.

1911 January UNA RVTNA list of members has the following: Boyle, Annie Murrav, “ Iveridge,” Simpson-st., E. Melb.—Aug. 7, 1902.

1909 & 1912 ER is at 8 Simpson Street, East Melbourne.

May 1907 Advert reads:

NURSES' HOME, Iveridge, Simpson street, East Melbourne, Victoria. Requires immediately. Fully Certificated Nurses for private nursing; excellent opportunity for joining Co-operative Home, Apply to Miss Bell, lady Superintendent.

The Miss Bell referred to here is Alice S Bell

1912 January UNA RVTNA list of members has the following: Boyle, Annie Murray , 31 Smart st ., Hawthorn-—Aug. 7, 1902.

1916-1949 is at 31 Smart Street, Hawthorn. Lived with her sister Eliza Sim Boyle. Annie & Eliza’s maternal aunt, Elizabeth Lemmon also lived at this address.

Died Hawthorn 24 July 1952 aged 81 buried at Box Hill.

BOYLE Annie Murray- On July 24 at her home, 31 Smart Street, Hawthorn, dearly loved cousin of Bill, (Dr W.M. Lemmon) aged 81 years. Argus, Friday 25 July 1952, page 11

*Dr. William Morton Lemmon, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Lemmon, of St. Vincent's. Place, Albert Park. Married Sheila Tompkins 17 April 1929.