Research Notes

Born 30 March, 1888 Stanley, Victoria - the 3rd youngest of a pioneer Roman Catholic family of 11. Daughter of James O'Neill, a miner, and Frances Ahern.

Left Stanley Primary school at age 11 to help support her family by working on the modest family property.

8 August 1900 - Father, James Ahern dies of stomach cancer aged 60, leaving his wife Frances with the care of three children under 12 (including Agnes).

Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 11 August 1900.

Mr. James O'Neill

The death of Mr. James O'Neill, although not unexpected has cast a gloom over this little town. His parents came here early in 1856 and his father was the second person interred in the Stanley Cemetery. With the exception of a little time on The Thunder and Lightning, Mr. O'Neill has lived here continuously since his arrival here as a boy. He has held the position of herdsman and other offices in connection with the Beechworth United Shire Council for over 30 years. He was of a retiring disposition, always ready and willing to do a good turn for acquaintances, in fact a man who was held in the highest esteem by all those with whom he came in contact. He leaves a family all grown up, six girls and four boys. The funeral of the deceased took place on Friday afternoon 10th August 1900 to the Stanley cemetery.

Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 11 Aug 1900

Death of Mr. Jas. O'Neill - We regret to have to chronicle the death of Mr. J. O'Neill of Stanley who expired on Wednesday night at the age of 60 years, the disease from which he suffered being consumption. [Death certificate states he died from stomach cancer.] The deceased had been in the employ of the Beechworth United Shire Council for many years in various capacities, and latterly occupied the position of herdsman. He leaves a wife and family to lament his decease, which adds yet another to the ever-lengthening list of old identities who have passed away from the scenes with which their presence was so familiar.

15 March 1906, Agnes’ sister, Annie was admitted to the ODH aged 15 with diphtheria. Discharged 4 April.

From the ODH House Committee report: 

12 February 1912 – The Secretary reported that Miss A O’Neill had commenced duty has a probationer nurse.

14 February 1912 - Sister Louisa dies suddenly on 14 February 1912 at the age of 40 while seated at the breakfast table. At the time of her death, she and her daughters were staying with her sister Alice in the Chiltern Valley. Buried at Stanley 16 February 1912.

From the ODH House Committee report:

8 July 1912 – The secretary reported that …the indentures of Nurses Melville & O’Neill were ready for signature.

9 July 1912 - The seal of the hospital was affixed to the indentures of Nurses Melville & O’Neill ….

Attended Hospital fundraising ball Thursday 13 August 1914 – see Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 15 August 1914.

September 1914 older brother John marries Ethel McMaster.

Passed final exams November 1914 - see Ovens & Murray Advertiser, 30 December 1914.

From the ODH House Committee report:

18 January 1915 – Nurses O’Neill and Melville have passed their final examinations & Nurse O’Neill was remaining on staff as sister ...

From the ODH minutes of board meeting:

16 February, 1915 - The seal of the hospital was ordered to be affixed to the nursing certificates of Nurses … and O’Neill …

16 March, 1915 - Nurse O’Neill was presented with her certificate by the Chairman and congratulated on successfully passing her exams.

7 October 1915 - Agnes’ youngest brother Joseph Henry O’Neill enlisted in the AIF.

From the ODH House Committee report 18 October 1915 – The Secretary reported that … Sister O’Neill had resigned and would be leaving at the end of this month.

6 April 1916 - Older sister Frances Strelein dies in Marrickville, Sydney several months after her marriage to Charles Henry Strelein who was on active service when Frances died. There is no death notice in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, only in the Sydney Morning Herald.

At the time of enlisting,  Agnes & her life long friend Jane Priestley both working at Dr. Stirling’s Private Hospital at located at 63 Rathdowne Street, Carlton.

1917 electoral roll lists Agnes at 63 Rathdowne Street, Carlton.

Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 7th July 1917

Nurses for the War

Two more former nurses of the Ovens District Hospital are sailing for the front next week, in the persons of Nurse Agnes O’Neill, sister of Cr. B. O’Neill of Stanley, and Sister A J Priestley of Yackandandah. Both nurses were trained at the Ovens District Hospital under Matron Winning, Nurse O’Neill obtaining her certificate of 5th February 1915, and Nurse Priestly on August 9th 1916.

Ovens & Murray Advertiser 1 August 1917 Page 2

FAREWELL To Nurse - At Stanley on Thursday night [26 July] last a farewell social was tendered to Nurse Agnes O'Neill, who has volunteered and been accepted as a qualified nurse for service abroad. Nurse O'Neill, who was trained at the Ovens District Hospital, Beechworth, applied several times during the past three years to go with the medical staff but owing to the large number of nurses offering was not accepted until recently. Mr. A Sinclair presided at the social, and presented Nurse O'Neill with a handsome toilet dressing case as a small token from her many friends and the Stanley residents, who all wish her well and a safe return.

Mr. B, O'Neill thanked the people of Stanley on behalf of Nurse O'Neill for their goodwill and handsome present, stating that, out of the old Beechworth staff of nurses under Miss Winning, 25 had gone to do their duty at the front, and face the dangers, awful scenes and hardships of a cruel war, and try and alleviate the pain and suffering of the wounded, braving the voyage over through submarine, and other dangers on the ocean, and then the heavy work of the gallant nurses at the front.

Miss Hollister and Miss Kelly opened the social with a pianoforte duet. Miss Elvy Butters sang "Australia," and was encored. Mr. Dave McKenzie, Miss Sutherland, Miss Kendall, Mrs Wooding and others added their quota to the entertainment. Masters Bruestedt and Tom Heapy sang "Till Our Boys Come Home,' and had to return to satisfy a local audience.

31 August 1917 - Embarked from Sydney on the HMAT Wiltshire to Suez, Egypt via Albany, Perth and Colombo.

5 October 1917 – Disembarked the Wiltshire and travelled by train to Alexandria.

6 October 1917 – Granted two days leave.

8 October 1917 – commenced duty at the 17th British General Hospital (BGH)

1 November 1917 - Brother Joseph a POW in Turkey from 1 November 1917 until 9 December 1918. He was captured along with Col. Stewart Newcombe and many others-3rd battle of Gaza.

3 April 1918 – Embarked HMS Gorgon bound for Salonika.

9 April 1918 – Posted to the 50th BGH.

16 May 1918 – Posted to the 42nd BGH.

15 September 1918 - Admitted 43 BGH – Anaemia & cardiac disability. 43 BGH at Kalamaria.

20 October 1918 – Sister’s Convalescent home (? British Red Cross).

26 October 1918 - Rejoined 42nd BGH.

1 February 1919 – Joined 52nd BGH.

3 March 1919 left Salonika on the Indarra.

6 March 1919 – Arrived at Taranto, caught a train bound for Cherbourg, France and then across the English Channel to England.

Arrived in England about 13 March and was granted three weeks leave.

Apr – June 1919 – granted leave to learn to drive at the Warwick School of Motoring.

12 July 1919 – left England for return to Australia. According to The Age, 6 September, 1919 the troops on board consisted mostly of married men with their wives. About 20 of whom also had children with them.

6 September 1919 - Arrived home on the Indarra.

7 January 1920 – reference from Loughtane Private Hospital, 63 Rathdowne St., Carlton – owned and operated by Dr Stirling

Reference reads:

Loughtane

63 Rathdown [sic] Street,

           Carlton

           7 January 1920

Miss O’Niel [sic] was on the nursing staff of this hospital for two years. She proved herself most capable, conscientious and considerate to the patients. her [sic] resignation was accepted with much regret.

E.M. (Ethel Mary) Adam

Sister-in-Charge

Melbourne

Jan. 7th 1920.

This is to certify that Miss Agnes O’Neill was on the staff of the hospital of which I was matron at Salonika and it gives me pleased to state that she gave the greatest satisfaction at all times.

Her care of the patients was untiring – she gave all her energies to the well being of her ward and the Doctor’s spoke highly of her skill in her work.

She was at all times cheerful and obliging., punctual and reliable & capable.

I feel sure she will be a success in any nursing work she may undertake.

Alice M. Prichard

Late (Matron 42nd British General Hosp.

Salonika)

14 February 1920 discharged from AANS.

July 1920 - undertakes midwifery course, Women’s Hospital.

14 February 1921 registered as a midwife.

22 December 1923 - Married Peppino (Pino) Manotti Moglia (Blacksmith) at St Patrick’s Cathedral. (Address for both parties is 166 Addison Street, St. Kilda. (Pino’s sister’s residence, Florence Emmeline Turner, a widow). Marriage by dispensation – Pino of the Church of England faith. Pino aged 48, Agnes 45.

Wedding appears to have been a private affair – no family notices in newspapers.

28 December 1923 – Pino tragically killed while travelling on a train to Mildura with Agnes.

The Argus - 31 December 1923 - FALL FROM TRAIN

Wife's Terrible Ordeal

MILDURA, Sunday-Á shocking railway fatality occurred on Saturday morning about a mile and a half from the Mildura railway station. Mr. P. M. Moglia, aged 41 years (should read 49) accompanied by his wife, was travelling on the Melbourne to Mildura train. After the train had left the Irymple station the couple stood on the rear platform of the dining car viewing the vineyards on either side of the line. As the train was nearing Mildura, Mrs. Moglia began to gather the luggage together, and her husband went for a wash.

When the train reached Mildura Mrs. Moglia remained seated in the carriage, and the conductor, in passing, asked her to leave, as the train was to be shunted on to another line. She replied that she was waiting for her husband, who was washing in the lavatory. The conductor went to the lavatory, but found no trace of Mr. Moglia. Just at this time the station master received telephone message from the police, informing him that an accident had happened along the line.

A special train was immediately sent to the site, Mrs. Moglia travelling on it in the hope that she was a trained nurse, she might be able to assist. When the train arrived on the scene it was found that Mr. Moglia was the victim, his body being terribly mutilated. It is believed that death was instantaneous. On his way to the lavatory Mr. Moglia, it is supposed, fell between the carriages. Nobody saw the accident, as all the passengers were getting ready to leave the train.

Mr. Moglia was coming to Mildura under engagement to Messrs. McKenzie and Lees, coachbuilders. Mr. and Mrs. Moglia had been married only about two months.

An inquest will be held on Monday afternoon, and the body will be taken to Box Hill on Tuesday morning for burial.

31 December 1923 – Inquest held at Mildura. See Pino Moglia Inquest papers

Agnes’ evidence was as follows:

I am the wife of deceased. I was a passenger by the Melbourne to Mildura train on 28.12.23 in company with my husband. When the train left Dalrymple, we were both in the sleeping compartment together and had had a cup of tea and was sitting on the bed of the berth.

My husband got up and said ‘I am going to the lavatory dear’, he was then at the door and was facies the ladies’ end. I said the ladies’ lavatory is down that end’. He said Yes, I know but there is a gentleman’s lavatory too’. I said ‘All right’ and he went toward that end of the carriage.

I sat in the compartment till I got to Mildura, my husband did not return. When I got to Mildura I waited a few minutes thinking he would come along. I reported the matter to the Railway officials at Mildura. I searched the train with one of the conductors and he could be found. I then went to the Station Master’s office and reported it to the station master. I then went down the line in the ???? van in search of my husband. When about a mile and a quarter from Mildura, the engine was stopped. I got out of the van.

I saw something which I could not identify. I saw a grey hat in the hand of one of the railway officials which was my husband’s.

I then left with the station master and drove away in a motor car.

To Thomas Francis Bride, special inquiry office for Railways

My husband was in the best of health and spirits when he got killed.

To Dept Coroner

My husband was 48 years of age, he was a blacksmith and was of very sober habits. He had no drink on the train.

30 January 1924 - Agnes made sole beneficiary of Pino’s 1921 intestate will. Agnes’ address is listed as 166 Addison Street, St. Kilda.

From Hearts of Gold and Minds of Mettle, Stanley Athenaeum, 2021:

… While in Alexandria, O’Neill wrote observant and entertaining postcards home to her family. … Following Pino’s death Agnes returned to Melbourne [incorrect as Agnes was living at Florence Turner’s residence prior to marrying Pino] to live with his sister Florence Turner until her son Peter was born. When he was about one year old, Agnes needing to support herself and her son, returned to nursing. Peter was firstly sent to live with her sister, Alice Rosengreen at Stanley then later to the Chiltern Vale to live with her sister Kate who was married to Jack Rosengreen. Agnes first worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Wangaratta then, in the late 1930s [should read December 1933] she was appointed Matron of the Ovens District Hospital in Beechworth and Peter was able to live with her there.

In 1941 Agnes moved to Melbourne and worked as a nurse at the Maribyrnong Munitions Factory during World War Two. She finally retired in 1953, but continued to be active in the community, delivering Meals on Wheels in North Balwyn until her late seventies.

See entry https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/moglia-agnes-ellen-31349 - this article should be read with caution.

1924 - Agnes is living at 166 Addison Street, St. Kilda with her sister-in-law

28 July 1924 – Peter James Moglia was born in Melbourne.

1925 and 1927 electoral rolls list Agnes as a nurse living at Stanley

1931 electoral roll - Agnes is a nurse at Rowan Street, Wangaratta (most likely a private hospital)

1932 electoral roll - Nurse at St. Mary's Private Hospital, 55 Green Street, Wangaratta

Peter was born in 1924 shortly after his father was killed in a train accident. His early childhood was spent with relatives in Stanley (Victoria) and Chiltern Valley while his mother, who was a World War 1 nurse, worked at St. Mary’s Private Hospital Wangaratta to support them. When she was appointed Matron of Beechworth Hospital, he went to live with her there. The boardroom was their bedroom and after the Hospital Board had finished their meetings the smell of cigar smoke hung heavily in the air. There was only a curtain separating their end of the room from the rest of the board room! …

Elisabeth Moglia

Matron at the ODH December 1933 – January 1941

From the ODH House Committee report 20 February 1934 – The clause relating to the keeping of her [Agnes’] son aged nine years at the hospital for breakfast and tea on school days – he is to spend the weekends in Stanley was referred to the Board on the motion of Mr Warren… with a recommendation that the charge be 5/- per week. He would sleep in Matron’s room, she having purchased a new bed for him.

From the ODH house committee report 17 April 1934 – A rumour has been in circulation in this town and about Wangaratta to the effect that the nurses were not getting enough to eat. I had heard of it and informed matron who called the nurses together and I told them of the rumours and advised them to always go to the matron instead of outsiders with their grievances and she would put them right.

Matron then asked for anyone who felt that she did not get enough to eat to hold up her hand and there was no response.

Nurse Stuckey was inclined to agree about butter and Nurse Johnson was inclined to be contrary, however they all agreed to sign a memo saying that the rumour was incorrect and that it could be published; nothing was done in that direction pending the decision of the committee.

… … the chairman then instructed me to communicate with a later applicant Miss Nunan of Wangaratta and she has commenced duty, matron wants another trainee.

From the ODH house committee report 15 May 1934 – The resignation of Nurse Ennis was received and she was called in to give an explanation and after she retired matron was interviewed and it was agreed to recommend that the matter be left to matron and nurse to endeavour to have an understanding with a view to a withdrawal of the resignation.

… It was recommended that in future when a trainee had completed her 3 months probation that the committee be informed so that they may decide as to whether she is to be retained and paid her salary for the 3 months’ probation.

From the ODH house committee report 17 July 1934 – Matron’s report was read requisitioning for sheeting, blankets, towels and pillow slips to cost approximately £40, matron was called in and after satisfying the committee that these articles were necessary it was agreed to recommend that they be purchased and that samples and prices be obtained from local traders.

The matter of a roster for the nursing staff was referred to and matron promised to comply.

… Several applications for position of probationer nurses were examined and it was recommended that they be referred to the matron to make a recommendation of several in rotation for the consideration of the committee.

From the ODH house committee report 15 January 1935 – The Secretary reported that the matron had left on her annual 3 weeks holiday on New Year’s Eve and that Sister Channon was acting matron and Sister Sambell was Acting Sister.

From the ODH house committee report 16 April 1935 – Matron applied for 3 days leave to attend the Anzac march in Melbourne …

From the ODH house committee report 21 May 1935 – There has been some unrest amongst the trainees. Matron evidently had occasion to speak to some of them in regard to their duties. Nurse Matthews was reported to have been found asleep while on night duty and she was reprimanded by the matron. She afterwards came to me and said she would resign. I told her that she was foolish and pointed out the seriousness of neglecting patients by going to sleep. She denied that she was asleep, although Sister Channon had reported it to matron. She promised me that she would resume duty and that she would be more attentive to her duty in the future but she left the institution the next morning and did not tell matron she was going.

Miss Jenkins, I understand was also reprimanded by matron for giving what matron took to be an unsatisfactory to some question and she came to me to resign. I reasoned with her and she contended that it was no use for her to stay if she could not be trusted. I brought Matron and her together and the difference was settled and she returned to duty.

Finally, Miss Ennis packed up and said that she would not stay any longer and as she only had 3 or 4 days to complete her second year, on the advice of the Chairman and President, I persuaded her to complete her 2 years which she did and she left here on the 16th inst. as her 2 years would be up on the 6th of June next. Her annual holidays include the time between and she was paid up to the 6th of June.

From the ODH house committee report 16 July 1935 – Matron’s report was read and received. And after considering the clause relating to one of the trainees being sent to Stanley to nurse an infectious case pending the engagement of a nurse from Melbourne. It was recommended that the nursing staff be not engaged in employment outside the hospital without the special permission of the House Committee.

From the ODH House Committee report 18 February 1936 – As directed at last meeting I [the secretary] wrote to Matron in regards to supplying admission forms and discharge cards by 6 p.m. each day and it is being done.

From the ODH House Committee report 17 March 1936 – Matron had not been well. She has been in bed since Saturday last and Dr Brown of Wangaratta has been in consultation with Dr. Russell and she was ordered to stay in bed for a few days.

… Sister Channon applied for a fortnight’s leave of absence and matron was agreeable to this and said that arrangements could be made to fill her position for the time. Secretary instructed to ascertain if matron had any one in view to take her place. The matron and secretary had interviewed nurse Ennis and she agreed to stay. The secretary told her that she would receive extra salary for the time and she was agreeable.

From the ODH House Committee report 18 August 1936 – Matron informed me that her medical advisers wanted her to go to Melbourne to a specialist and obtained permission from the Chairman, she went on Tuesday last and returned Friday.

From the ODH house committee report 20 October 1936 – As instructed I informed Matron & Sister Channon of the Board’s decision in regard to their differences in regard to time off duty viz that the president was appointed to interview them with a view to some understanding being arrived at.

From the ODH house committee report 16 December 1936 – Matron went to Melbourne on Tuesday morning to attend the breaking up of her son’s school.

… In reference to the matron being away in Melbourne, the committee recommend that she be instructed to be good enough to make formal application for leave to absent herself.

From the ODH house committee report 19 January 1937 – The secretary reported that matron had gone on her annual holidays on the 6th inst. Sister Channon is in charge.

… As directed at last meeting I advised the matron that the board desired her presence at next meeting in regard to stock sheets and the admission of intermediate patients.

From the ODH house committee report 18 May 1937 – Trainees – there were advertisements in two issues of the Age and Argus for trainees. Several letters were received and application forms were forwarded but only one has returned her application, Miss Nony Currie of Fairfield Hospital. Matron has perused the application and she tells me that she cannot have a trainee that has been at other hospitals. I advised her to see the committee about it as it was too expensive to employ sisters.

From the ODH house committee report 20 July 1937 – Cook – Matron had a dispute with the cook who has left your employ. She evidently left in the heat of the moment and would like to return but she says that she must be asked to return as matron told her to go. This is the cook’s version of events.

From the ODH house committee report 16 November 1937 – Matron left for Melbourne on the 10th inst. to attend the refresher course for matrons as organised by the Nurses Board.

From the ODH house committee report 21 December 1937 – A representative of the Nurses Board visited here since last meeting. I was called and she told me that the matron must interview all trainees before they were appointed. I told her that this was impossible as trainees were occasionally appointed from distant parts viz Bendigo, Ballarat, Melbourne etc. and trainees could not be expected to pay fares for an interview and that they were on probation for the first three months during which time matron could decide their suitability. The inspector agreed that it would not be reasonable to ask the girls to come so far for an interview.

From the Albury Banner Wodonga Express and Riverina Stock Journal, 24 January 1941

Hospital Matron farewelled

Members of the Ovens District Hospital Auxiliary (including representatives from Wooragee and Murmungee), and a few intimate friends of Matron Moglia, attended a social gathering at the Town Hall to bid her farewell before her departure from Beechworth, following her resignation as matron of the hospital, a position she had held for 7½ years. After a short musical programme, afternoon tea was served, at the conclusion of which Mrs. W. J. Barnes, president of the auxiliary, expressed regret at Matron Moglia 's departure. While in charge at the hospital she had carried out her duties excellently, and had done much good for the institution. She had earned the good will of the patients and respect from the staff. The auxiliary had received every assistance from her in its activities, and members wished her every happiness and success in the future. Mrs. Barnes's remarks were supported by Mesdames W. D. Morrison, D. Nankervis, and J. J. McKenny. The president, on behalf of those present, presented Matron Moglia with a silver tray and half-a-dozen crystal tumblers. Matron Moglia expressed her thanks to her friends for 'the handsome present and to the auxiliary for its many gifts to the hospital, and for the help she had received from members at all times’. The nursing staff presented Matron Moglia with a gold pendant as a parting gift.

January 1941 - Agnes resigned from ODH. Left prior to the opening of the new hospital in Sydney Road (19 April 1941). Commenced work as a nurse at the Maribyrnong Munitions Factory. Probably there for all of WW2.

1941 Agnes is at 328 Beaconsfield Parade, St. Kilda with son, Peter.

1949 Agnes and Peter are living at 14 Crimea Street, St. Kilda West.

1953 – Retired aged 65

1954, 1963, 1968 & 1977 electoral rolls living at 4 Aquila St. Balwyn 1985.

Died 3 July 1987 - buried 7 July 1987 with husband, Box Hill Cemetery.

9 July 1987 – The Age – Moglia, Agnes Ellen – Aged 99. WW1 sister. A tribute from the President and Members of the Returned Nurses Club and sub branch of the RSL. Lest We Forget.

©  Anne Hanson 2023